FAQs

Probation

Q: How can I have my probation/supervised release terminated early?

Answer

You are eligible to request early termination from probation or supervised release under the following circumstances:

After you have completed at least one year of supervision, your attorney can petition the Court, or
After you have completed one half of your term of supervision, you can request early termination through your U.S. Probation Officer.

If you have been convicted of a serious felony and/or have a history of violence, your case will not be considered for early termination.

Q: I am an employer and I want to know if a prospective employee has been convicted of a crime, can you run a background check?

Answer

The U.S. Probation Office is restricted from disclosing information to the public. However, most convictions are generally available in public records. These records are maintained by the U.S. District Court Clerk.

Q: What are the standard conditions of probation the court must impose?

Answer

Individuals on supervision are required by the Court to abide by certain rules. These rules are called the conditions of supervision. They are basically the same whether the person is on probation, parole, military parole, mandatory release, or supervised release.

For a list of conditions, see the the standard conditions of probation.

Q: I am on probation/supervised release. Am I allowed to leave the state?

Answer

The ____ District of _______ is comprised of __________ counties. You are allowed to travel freely within these ___ counties. Unless you are given permission in advance by the judge in your case, any requests to travel outside of these ____ counties must be approved in advance by your U.S. Probation Officer.

Failure to do so may result in a violation of your supervision.

Q: I have been released from federal prison, how soon do I have to report for supervision?

Answer

Once released from custody, you are required to report to your assigned Probation Officer within 72 hours of release, which includes weekends and holidays. Please call (618) 482-9375 between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, for instructions on where to report. If you have been convicted in another district, please contact the U.S. Probation Office in the district in which you have been convicted.

Failure to report will constitute grounds for a violation of supervised release.

Q: I know of a family member who is on Federal probation/supervised release, can you tell me what crime they committed?

Answer

The U.S. Probation Office is restricted from disclosing information to the public, which includes family members. However, most convictions can be found in public records. These public records are maintained by the U.S. District Court Clerk.

General

Q: If I am convicted of a Federal crime, can I or a family member own or possess a firearm?

Answer

An individual convicted of a felony offense is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). Possession of a firearm by a family member living in the same residence as a convicted felon could constitute constructive possession, which may violate federal law.

Q: How do I have my conviction expunged?

Answer

Federal convictions cannot be expunged. However, you may apply for a Presidential Pardon. Any person convicted of a felony in Federal court is eligible to file a petition for a Presidential Pardon under the following circumstances, although some exceptions may apply:

The individual is no longer serving the sentence and is not under parole, probation, or supervised release;
Five years have passed since release from confinement or if confinement was not imposed, five years from the date of conviction; and
A waiting period of seven years is required for more serious offenses, including violations of narcotic laws, income tax laws, perjury, violation of public trust involving dishonesty, violent crimes, gun control laws, fraud involving substantial sums of money, violations involving organized crime, and other crimes of a serious nature.

It is strongly recommended that you consult with an attorney to assist you with the process. Pardon applications may be obtained by making a written request to the Office of the Pardon Attorney, at the following address:

Office of the Pardon Attorney United States Department of Justice 1425 New York Ave NW, Suite 11000, Washington, DC 20530.

Q: Where can I find the probation or pretrial service office mailing address?

Answer

See our Office Locations.

Q: What is the presentence investigation phase of a case?

Answer

Presentence investigation occurs after a defendant enters a plea of guilty to a federal offense or is convicted by trial. During this phase, a probation officer interviews the defendant to gather information on the defendant's background. From the interviews and investigation, the probation officer prepares a presentence report for the judge to use to determine the appopriate sentence for the defendant.

Read more about presentence investigation.

Q: What is supervision?

Answer

Supervision in the federal system is:

A core responsibility of U.S. probation and pretrial services officers, along with investigation.
A way to monitor the activities and behavior of people released to the community by the federal courts or paroling authorities.
An opportunity to help offenders reintegrate into the community following a period of incarceration.
In the case of probation, a punishment that is less severe than imprisonment, but still holds people accountable for breaking the law.
An alternative to jail or prison that costs less than incarceration and gives people charged with or convicted of federal crimes the opportunity to live with their families, hold jobs, and be productive members of society.

United States Probation and Pretrial Services

Southern District of Illinois

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FAQs

Probation

General