A New Beginning—Part 3
A Close Call
Marcus had settled into the halfway house and was working hard to get his life back on track. He attended regular meetings with his probation officer and followed all the rules of his release. However, one day, he found himself in a situation that threatened to derail his progress.
As he was walking home from a job interview, he passed by a group of old friends. They invited him to join them for a drink, and despite his better judgment, he agreed. As they sat in the park, Marcus felt a familiar pull towards his old habits.
Adhering to Probation Conditions
Marcus was fully aware of the conditions of his probation. He had worked hard to get to this point, and he wasn’t about to jeopardize his freedom. He declined the drink and made his way back home.
That night, Marcus reviewed the conditions of his probation, as well as some tips outlined in the Get Started Workbook.
Six Tips to Avoid Technical Violations
- Before you move, get written permission from your probation officer/parole agent.
- Observe state, county, local, and federal driving rules and liquor laws.
- Do not possess or sell illegal narcotics/drugs or use controlled substances without a prescription.
- Avoid owning/possessing firearms or other weapons.
- Refrain from assaultive behavior like physical or verbal abuse.
- Make required payments on fines, costs, and restitution imposed by the court.
Marcus made a commitment to himself to stay focused on his goals and to always keep the conditions of his release top of mind.
Seeking Support
The next day, Marcus met with his PO and discussed the incident in the park. He was honest about his struggle and his desire to stay on the right path. His probation officer was impressed by his candor and connected him with a support group for individuals in recovery.
Marcus attended his first support group meeting that evening. He was surprised by the sense of community and the shared experiences of the members. As Marcus left the meeting, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. For the first time in a long while, he felt understood and supported.
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