Conditions of probation
There are standard rules required of everyone placed on probation, such as regular reporting and remaining law-abiding. The court may also impose conditions appropriate to the individual, such as chemical dependency treatment, counseling, jail time, restitution, or no contact with the victim.
You are required to report to a probation officer from weekly to monthly, depending on the supervision program and the length of time they have been on probation. The place and time of these contacts will be determined by the probation officer.
Leaving the state
If you are on felony probation you must obtain permission from your probation officer to leave Minnesota. A permanent move to another state may require transfer of supervision to an agent in the other state and permission of the new state. Some states do not accept the transfer of individuals convicted of sex offenses.
Leaving the country
If you are on felony probation you must consult with your probation or parole officer before any international travel. Some countries do not allow visitors with convictions, even after discharge from probation.
Voting
As of June 1, 2023, you can vote even if you are on parole or probation. Your right to vote has been restored. Felony status doesn't affect your right to vote as long as you are not serving your sentence in a correctional facility. If you have a felony conviction, you can vote while on work release, home monitoring (ankle bracelet), or probation/parole. More information is available from the county's Elections department and the Minnesota Secretary of State.
Holding public office
If you are convicted of a felony you lose the right to hold public office until court-ordered discharge from probation or end of sentence. At that time, your civil rights are restored, including the right to be elected to public office.
Possession of firearms
State and federal laws prohibit the possession or use of firearms by people convicted of certain offenses. Please talk to your attorney or the Hennepin County Attorney's Office if you have questions about your particular situation.
Employment and residence
If you have a criminal conviction, you may be restricted from certain jobs, such as school bus driver, teacher, and health care worker. In addition, apartment owners have the right to refuse to rent to a person with a felony conviction.
Release of information
Some information about you may be released to the public including:
- Name, age, date of birth, gender and occupation (not place of employment)
- The offense for which you were originally charged
- The offense for which you were sentenced
- The names of the judge, attorneys and probation officer
- Information contained in documents filed with the Clerk of Court
There are also special community notification and registration requirements for certain predatory offenders. The release of other information requires a court order or authorization from the client.