Modification and Termination
In the following two cases, list the violations of supervision that are applicable. What decision would you make in each case? Your choices are: (1) modification and retention under community supervision; (2) modification with some other graduated sanction; or (3) revocation and return to jail or prison. Pick one response for each case and fully justify your decision.
Case A: Probationer Conner—Possession of an Explosive Device
Probationer Conner is under supervision for possession of an explosive device, which was an undetonated homemade bomb. Mr. Conner has three years of college education (major in physics) and reportedly has an IQ of 125. Given his particular eccentric behavior during pretrial, the special conditions of his supervision require that he obtain a comprehensive mental health diagnosis. Shortly after Mr. Conner’s supervision term begins, he tests positive for marijuana use. When confronted by his probation officer, he admits to using marijuana. However, he states that he uses marijuana to self-medicate. He feels that he would commit violent acts if he were to cease its use. At this time, Mr. Conner is not undergoing substance abuse treatment nor has he been court-ordered to do so. The probation officer reminds Mr. Conner of a condition of supervision that he neither use nor possess illegal drugs and advises him that his use of illegal substances cannot be allowed, adding that the sentencing court would be advised of any violation. He was referred for a psychiatric evaluation right away to determine whether he would benefit from psychotropic medication. The psychiatrist diagnoses him with Bipolar Affective Disorder, Type II, and prescribes Depakote, which takes up to two weeks to take effect.
However, this medication requires regular lab work, and Mr. Conner fails to attend his next appointment with the psychiatrist, so you are not sure if he is taking the medication regularly. Results from a urine specimen taken from him a week after his evaluation reveal trace amounts of Depakote but also that he has used both marijuana and methamphetamine. What should you as the probation officer do next?
Case B: Parolee York—Aggravated Assault
Parolee York was convicted and sent to prison for two years for aggravated assault. She has a history of violent behavior and anger management issues. She has no known drug nor alcohol problems and until recently was a dishwasher at Joe’s Pancake House. She has been under parole supervision with you for the last five months and for a time was reporting regularly. Special conditions of Ms. York’s supervision require she complete anger management classes by the end of her term, which is supposed to end in seven months. Anger management treatment takes three months, and the program has a waiting list of clients who are court-ordered to attend treatment. She has repeatedly stated she would undergo an anger management assessment but just never has. When you call to verify employment at the restaurant, her employer says that she quit coming three weeks ago and has been replaced by another dishwasher. Now two weeks have gone by since you called Joe’s Pancake House and still no sign of Ms. York. You called the jail to see whether she had been picked up, but police have had no contact with her. What should you do next?
Directions
Objective:
The objective of this assignment is to assess your ability to identify violations of community supervision and make informed decisions regarding modification and termination of probation and parole cases.
Read and Analyze:
Carefully read both case studies provided.
Identify and list any violations of supervision for each individual.
Decision Making:
For each case, choose the most appropriate action from the following options:
(1) Modification and retention under community supervision.
(2) Modification with another graduated sanction.
(3) Revocation and return to jail or prison.
Justify your decision. Explain your rationale for the chosen course of action, considering the nature of the violation, the individual’s history, and the potential for rehabilitation.
Writing Your Response:
Write a one-page response for each case study, double-spaced.
Your response should include:
A brief summary of the case.
The identified violations.
Your decision and justification for each case.
Formatting:
Follow APA 7th edition format for your document.
Include a cover page with the following information:
Assignment title
Your name
Course title
Date
Include a reference page if you cite any sources outside of the provided case studies or class materials.
Use appropriate headings and subheadings to structure your paper.
