Taking in a person on parole/probation

[Sugahplumpfae]

What is the name of your state? Minnesota.

My boyfriend and I recent moved out of his mothers and purchased our own home. We have a friend whose son will be let out of prison soon. He has there I about 5 years on Meth manufacturing charges. He can't move in with his mother because she lives in public housing and he has a felony.

Before we even offer to take him in to live in our home I would like to know our rights. Do we have privacy rights while boarding a felon? We have sparkling clean records, so I'm sure on his end there will be no problem. We don't associate with any of his old friends (the kids that got him in to trouble in the first place). I'm not sure if he will be on probation or parole - but I think it is probation, and I think that he served the full amount of jail time the judge recommended. I apologize, but I'm not totally clear on the full terms of his release - other than he will not be wearing a monitor bracelet.

My questions are -

I'm assuming my boyfriend and I will be subject to a background check (which I would expect). Is it likely that his parole/probation officer will ask us to complete a drug test? I feel these are a HUGE invasion of privacy, and can be misread.

After reading a little in the forums here, I'm guessing our home would be subject to searches.
Can we designate certain areas as "his" living space, and not have the rest of our house searched?

Like if we were put a door going down to our finished basement (where his bedroom would be) - could we say that it was his basement apartment?

Are most searches done by humans or dogs? (I'm very afraid of dogs)

Can we be present during the searches?

If he messes up during his probation/parole - could something happen to us?

Will our employers or neighbors be notified by his PO that we have a felon living with us?

 

[CdwJava]

I'm assuming my boyfriend and I will be subject to a background check (which I would expect). Is it likely that his parole/probation officer will ask us to complete a drug test? I feel these are a HUGE invasion of privacy, and can be misread.

You may be asked for a drug test. You can refuse, but parole can also refuse to place him with you.

The idea is to place him in an environment conducive to rehabilitation. If there is a question, they may ask you to volunteer a test.

After reading a little in the forums here, I'm guessing our home would be subject to searches.

Absolutely.

Can we designate certain areas as "his" living space, and not have the rest of our house searched?

You better make certain that those private areas are locked and that he does not have access to them. Just telling him he can't go in certain rooms may not be sufficient to keep the agents and the police out of them.

Like if we were put a door going down to our finished basement (where his bedroom would be) - could we say that it was his basement apartment?

Sure. if he had no access to anywhere else in the house, you'd likely be good. But, if he had free access to the house, then the other areas MIGHT be subject to search.

Are most searches done by humans or dogs? (I'm very afraid of dogs)

Usually by officers and agents ... though a dog is much more effective when looking for dope and paraphernalia. So don't be surprised if a dog shows up.

Can we be present during the searches?

You can be ... though there may be times when you are not. They wouldn't have to wait for you to be present to do it.

If he messes up during his probation/parole - could something happen to us?

Only if you are somehow involved. If you give him the dope or permit him to use dope or store contraband, you could be.

Will our employers or neighbors be notified by his PO that we have a felon living with us?

Not likely. But, the neighbors might figure it out when/if they see the cops or parole agents there doing searches every now and then. And the agents may inquire with neighbors as part of their suitability assessment for housing him with you.

Bottom line is that if you do not want to be inconvenienced, just say "no" to taking in the parolee.

- Carl

 

[seniorjudge]

...We have a friend whose son will be let out of prison soon. He has there I about 5 years on Meth manufacturing charges....

Carl (of course) is absolutely correct.

But let me add this: with a meth head, it is unlikely that he will ever successfully complete probation. If there is any meth found in your house, it could very well be forfeited and you would be out on the street.

 

[Sugahplumpfae]

Thank you very much! He was a good kid - just got involved with the wrong crowd, just out of high school. We were just merely considering taking him in to help him back on his feet, but didn't want to get his hopes up if we decide not to. Thank goodness we haven't been asked to, or are expected to take him in - we just thought it would be nice. Of couse he wouldn't be allowed to bring any contraban or any of his old buddies into our house - I doubt he'll get back into that life anyway we're about 250 miles from the town he got into trouble in. He just needs a good dose of how normal people live - those with steady jobs, and bed times, and all that jazz. Thanks again.

 

[Terry's Mom]

Hello,
I just wanted to give you a different side of this. My husband and I take in people who are first released from Prison. I mean we pick them up at the gate. We have currently successfully housed over ten ex-inmates with no problems so far. I think you should give the guy a chance. That is really all anyone ever needs is someone to stand by them, love them, and believe in them. We kind of live by the old rule only flipped flopped- trust has to be earned. We trust them 100% until they show us otherwise. But, again, this is just my opinion. My husband and I are both very strong Christians, so we have God on our side! Good luck!

Terry's Mom