What to expect when first seeing a probation officer?

Question

My friend was arrested for a 488 PC. Its a petty theft in California. And she is going to see a probation officer in a few days. What should she expect? No rude comments please. She is 15 by the way. Thank you!

Answer 1

The probation officer will probably be sizing her up a bit, to see if she if she is remorseful or is just sad she got caught.  If she trys to talk her way around it or lie she will probably be in some trouble as they speak to a lot of criminals and they have heard everything.  If she is honest the officer will probably appreciate it.

Answer 2

Your "friend" and one of her parents will have to meet with the po. The po will have you fill out paperwork about yourself, while the po asks your parent questions about your home and school life. They will ask questions such as..how are your grades in school and who are the people you associate with. Do you talk back to family members and teachers, do you do drugs. They enter everything into their system.

You will not be allowed to associate with the people who "dared" you to steal.

They will inform your parent how much they will have to pay per month.

These are just some things to expect.

And as the person above me said they don't care if you say that you didn't do it or didn't mean to do it.

You have been adjudicated (that means found guilty for a juvenile court)  

Answer 3

I'm a former adult probation officer.  First visit will go over the requirements of being on probation, lots of questions one one's history, family info., drug use, what will happen if any laws/requirements are broken, etc...

Your friend should dress nice, go early as there will probably be paperwork to fill out, don't say you didn't do the crime or were wrongly arrested/convicted, the officer doesn't care.  Just be polite, answer any questions, ask questions and do what they ask..