Are You Allowed to Travel While on Probation in Kansas City?

If you have been convicted of a crime, you may face several consequences. One punishment that is often imposed is probation. As a criminal defendant, you need to understand the restrictions imposed by probation, including any limitations related to your ability to travel.

Understanding the Different Types of Probation

Not all probation is the same. For example, you may receive supervised visitation. With this, it means you must meet with your probation officer at specific intervals, like monthly. In other situations, you may get unsupervised probation. With this, you do not have to go to meetings with a probation officer; however, you are on a type of suspension₁, which means they may face more significant penalties if you commit another crime while still on probation.

Probation Conditions

Regardless of what type of probation you receive, you have certain conditions that you must follow. Failure to follow these conditions can result in you being put in jail.

For example, one standard condition is not being arrested for another crime in the same area or in another location, not maintaining relationships with individuals who are known criminals, submitting to unexpected or routine drug tests, meeting with a probation officer, and consenting to searches. There could be other conditions, too, based on your specific crime.

A person may have to report information to their probation officers, such as their current address, employment, and more. If things change, it is required that you report the changes.

Travel Conditions and Restrictions

For most, another standard restriction while on probation is your ability to travel. The restrictions that you will have depend on your case’s circumstances, your habits, employment status, and more. It would help if you took the time to understand your travel restrictions while on probation fully.

In Kansas, you are prohibited from traveling outside the state during the first 60 days of your supervision. Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis and usually relate to business or emergency-related travel needs.

Once the initial 60-day period has passed, you must receive authorization from the probation office before leaving. This is true for all travel. Also, your travel privileges are dependent on complete compliance with probation conditions, including the payment of your financial obligations. Once you return, you must verify where you traveled₂.

Probation Violations

If you violate your probation – in any way – then your probation officer can order your arrest without having to get a warrant. If you are found guilty of violating your probation, you may be subject to additional consequences.

Hire an Attorney for Help

Travel restrictions can be frustrating at times, but they are put in place to ensure you abide by your probation terms. If you are in a situation where you need help with a criminal case, hiring an attorney is best. This is going to help ensure you get the best possible outcome for your case. Being informed and understanding probation restrictions are key.

Sources

1. https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/difference-between-unsupervised-probation-and-supe-2506257.html
2. http://ksp.uscourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/KC_TravelRequestInstructions.pdf