Can I be violated for not attending AA meetings??

[zzzach]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?WY
I am a student at the University of Wyoming. I was in a class the other day and the professor was saying that it is or is becomming unconstitutional for probationers to be violated based on the fact that they didn't attend the required AA meetings. I am complying with all the rest of the conditions but just don't have time for the meetings with school and work etc. This would be a HUGE help if it were true but I don't know where to find out more about it.

Thanks

 

[Some Random Guy]

Ask the professor where he got his info from

If you prefer to be anonymous, e-mail him from a free hotmail account that you create just for this conversation

 

[zzzach]

Found something I think??

If anyone could check out this website and interpert what it says I would appriciate it. I am a Psychology major not Law. If there is something in this I could bring to my PO to prove my point please let me know!

http://www.law.duke.edu/journals/dlj/articles/dlj47p785.htm#H1N7

Thanks

 

[CdwJava]

The treatise you cite is not case law nor does it have the rule of law - it is a position paper. Unless your state has decided that AA is not an appropriate treatment, then you have little choice but to comply.

Remember what probation is - you agreed to certain conditions in order to remain out of custody. One of those conditions was to attend AA (or, possibly similar counseling or treatment programs). Most states allow you to choose from a variety of programs, or, find one that fits your needs as well as the court's requirements. In some areas, the ONLY solution is AA.

If you had a valid religious objection then the time to raise that may well have passed. And based on your post, your objection is simply that you don't have time - that would mean that even had it been a non-12-step program, you would have blowin it off. Thus, a court is not likely to buy your religious argument at this point.

But, if you want to fight the potential violation, consult an attorney. or, better yet, work with your P.O. to find a class that is either more convenient or not offensive to you. You will likely find that you have few - if any - choices in the matter.

- Carl

 

[seniorjudge]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?WY
I am a student at the University of Wyoming. I was in a class the other day and the professor was saying that it is or is becomming unconstitutional for probationers to be violated based on the fact that they didn't attend the required AA meetings. I am complying with all the rest of the conditions but just don't have time for the meetings with school and work etc. This would be a HUGE help if it were true but I don't know where to find out more about it.

Thanks

AA really does not like judges to make attending their meetings a condition of probation.

I speak from experience.

BUT maybe you should go "voluntarily": it can help you.

 

[CdwJava]

AA really does not like judges to make attending their meetings a condition of probation.

I speak from experience.

BUT maybe you should go "voluntarily": it can help you.

I know that in some counties in CA AA has told the courts that they will not sign their attendance off as they don't want people who have not yet taken the first step in recovery. I know when my sister was once ordered to AA all she and the other court ordered subjects did was find drinking buddies!

Unfortunately for the "AA = religion" folks, the 12-step process is the most common form of treatment out there. Even if it is not AA, the 12-step process - or some part of it - is in most treatment programs. In my county, there are no other options unless you can afford an in-patient program at an out of county program ... and even they tend to be strongly influenced by 12-steps.

- Carl

 

[seniorjudge]

I know that in some counties in CA AA has told the courts that they will not sign their attendance off as they don't want people who have not yet taken the first step in recovery. I know when my sister was once ordered to AA all she and the other court ordered subjects did was find drinking buddies!


Yep...must be the standard lecture since it's the same one I got!

 

[paroled]

find an alternative outpatient progam.maybe 2 times a week.

if your position is of alchahol/drugs its part of your stipulation to seek treatment or attend meetings..

simply ask the p o if you can attend more private treatment cause AA isnt working for you right now.

theyre there to help believe it or not..but if your simply trying to be manipulative theyre gona get ya one way or the other..

my opinion is YES,you can be violated,but will it stick?i dont think so.
they cant prove you have/have not went because alot of AA groups refuse to sign the attendance sheets

g/l

 

[snostar]

I just have to chime in on this one. First of all AA has nothing to do with religion, it is a spiritual program. The only requirement is a DESIRE to stop drinking, not a completed first step. In many instances probation offices require a log including, dates, times, group title, subject/topic and a short synopsis documenting what the probationer heard if they were listening. A "sign off" is not necessarily required. Yes, nonattendance can be considered a violation, if it is a term of your probation.

 

[CdwJava]

The only requirement is a DESIRE to stop drinking, not a completed first step.

That was my mis-statement ... by "first step" I meant taking the first step (seeking aid), not the first "step" (of the program).

I have a little experience with Bill W. myself.

- Carl