FL state probation and new job

[Eyes On the Roll]

Hey. I applied at a place right before I was convicted, and since I hadn't been convicted yet I did not check that I was convicted of a felony. Well, I got hired, and I was put on probation 2 days ago. What will happen if I don't tell my probation officer about this job, because if I do, then he will call my new job and I'm sure they will fire me. What will happen if I don't tell him? Can anyone give me some advice for this? First time I've ever been in a situation like this. I can't risk losing this job because I need it.

 

[RedLeader]

Is it a requirement of your probation to have a job, or do you just have to show interest in finding one?

Did you have a private attorney when you were in court for your case? If you did, then I would call this person and ask him basically what you have asked us. S/he's probably used to these types of situations.

After this, I would (politely) explain this to your PO. Your PO wants you to have a job first so that you pay your probation fees and second so that you can work toward a better life. S/he's probably not going to do anything to jeopardize his/her chances of getting your payments. Sometimes POs will make physical visits to your place of work, sort of life secret shoppers, just to see that you are actually there. I would tell him/her exactly how this all progressed and plead with him/her not to call your boss.

Or you could do what I did. Tell your boss that you have collections agencies after you and that they might be calling to try and get information on you. Tell your boss that you want to keep this as private as you can, and for him/her to only really confirm that you work there, and as full/part-time. Here, you are hoping that the PO does not reveal him/herself, but if the call is going to happen, it's worth a shot before you get fired. That is, if you're sure that you would be fired if the truth came out.

It's really unfortunate when POs want people to have jobs, and then go and do things that could cause people to lose those jobs.

 

[Missykins]

Perhaps you can offer to your PO a copy of your pay stubs as proof of employment. I don't think he's going to want you to lose your job. But I think that it's a mistake to lie to either your PO or your new boss. These things have a way of catching up with you and it's better to be honest.