Home Visits
True or False: You have to let your PO inside your house if they show up for a visit.
True. By being on probation, you've agreed to allow these visits. It's not a "raid"; it's a check-in to make sure your home environment is safe and you're following the rules.
Myth or Reality: Drinking a gallon of pickle juice or vinegar will help you pass a drug test.
This person is the "Referee" of the courtroom and makes the final decision on your case.
The Judge. The judge doesn't take sides. They listen to the facts from both lawyers and decide what is the most outcome for you and the community.
In Indiana, what is the charge for a minor knowingly carrying a handgun?
This famous actor, known as "The Rock," was arrested multiple times for fighting and theft as a teen.
Dwayne Johnson. He says he was "lost" as a kid, but he used sports and hard work to change his path. Now he's one of the biggest stars in the world.
What is the #1 way to get discharged early from probation?
Early compliance. If you do your hours, pass your tests, and stay out of trouble, many POs will let you off months early to reward your hard work.
If a PO sees something illegal sitting on your coffee table, they can do this.
Confiscate it. Keep your space clean of anything that could get you in trouble.
If a drug test comes back with too much water in it, it is labeled as this.
Diluted. A diluted sample is treated the same as a positive test because it looks like you were trying to hide something.
This lawyer represents the "State," and their job is to prove that a crime happened.
The Prosecutor. They aren't your enemy, but their job is to hold people accountable. Your lawyer is the person who speaks specifically for your side.
True or False: If you are 17, you can legally carry a gun if your parent says it's okay.
False. Even with a parent's permission, there are very strict rules. It is illegal for a minor to carry.
This famous rapper, known for his "Slim Shady" persona, struggled with poverty and the system as a youth in Detroit.
Eminem. He used his music as an outlet to express his frustration instead of turning to more crime, turning his struggles into a career.
What is the "Long Game"?
Thinking years ahead, not minutes. The "Long Game" is getting off probation and being successful. The "Short Game" is a 5-minute fight that adds six months to your time.
Besides your home, name one other place a PO might visit you.
School. Work. Your PO can check in at school to see if you're attending or at your job to see if you're actually working. They aren't there to embarrass you, just to verify your progress.
True or False: Being in the same room as someone smoking marijuana will make you fail a standard drug test.
False. Modern tests have "cutoff levels" set high enough so that "passive" or second-hand smoke won't trigger a positive result.
This person is assigned by the judge to monitor you and to help you while you are on probation.
Probation Officer. Their job is not to "catch" you. The probation officer is tasked with helping you.
If you have a weapon in your locker at school, can the school staff search it?
Yes. You have very limited privacy at school. Staff can search lockers at any time because they are responsible for keeping the school safe.
This boxing legend went to juvie 38 times by the age of 13 before a trainer discovered his talen.
Mike Tyson. He used boxing to channel his anger. He's a perfect example of finding a healthy outlet to replace the "street outlet."
True or False: Admitting you made a mistake makes you look weak to a judge.
False. Judges call this "taking responsibility" and it's looked upon favorably.
If you aren't home when the PO stops by, you should do this immediately.
Call them. Calling them immediately shows you aren't "running" and that you respect the process.
True of False: You can avoid testing positive by just not showing up for your urine screen.
False. Missed urine screens are the same as positive urine screens.
This person is appointed by the court to represent a child's best interests, even if it's different from what the child wants.
GAL or CASA. A Guardian ad Litem or Court Appointed Special Advocate is there to make sure you are safe and getting the help you need.
If you are with a group and someone else has a gun, can you still get in trouble?
Yes. If you knew about it and didn't leave, you can be charged with possessing it because it was within your reach or control.
This singer and actress, who was a huge star on Disney Channel, went to rehab and faced the legal system as a teen.
Demi Lovato. She is now a huge advocate for mental health. She demonstrates that being "famous" doesn't protect you from struggles, but asking for help is how you survive them.
This is the term for when the police monitor public hashtags or locations to look for illegal activity.
Social Media Monitoring. Police departments have units that do nothing but watch public feeds for illegal activity.
If you are on electronic monitoring (GPS), you usually have to submit this every week.
A weekly schedule. You have to tell your PO exactly where you'll be (school, doctor, work). If you're caught somewhere else, the GPS will alert them instantly.
This is the natural chemical in your body that labs check to see if your urine is "real" or fake.
Creatinine. If your creatinine levels are too low, the lab knows the sample is either heavily watered down or not real human urine.
This court staff member keeps all the official files and records of your case.
The Clerk. If you need a copy of your court orders or proof that you finished community service, the Clerk's Office is where you go.
If a minor is caught with a gun in a School Zone, the charge is usually raised to this level.
A Felony. Being near a school, on a bus, or at a school event makes the punishment much more severe.
This massive "Save Me" singer was in and out of juvenile detention for 10 years before becoming a Grammy nominee.
Jelly Roll. He spent his 14th to 24th birthdays in and out of the system. He's proof that you can overcome.
True of False: If you give a false statement to protect a friend, you can be charged with a crime.
True. Lying to the police can land you with an Obstruction of Justice charge. Now you're both in trouble.