I have served 9 years of a 15 year probation and am in the process of filing for early termination. I was convicted of a Lewd Act in 1990, served 6 years prison then placed on probation in 1996.  I was guilty of the charge and regret what I did. The problem now is that in light of ther recent events in Florida of some high profile cases involving sex offenders my probation officer informed me that I have to submit to polygraph every 6 month. Not that I have any thing to hide but I am worried that if for some reason the examiner deems me to have failed the test it would hurt my chances for early release off probation. I have complied with everything asked of me but now this worries me because of the ability of this test to be manipulated.
My questions are: Does anyone have experience with Fla probation issues?
2nd... If I apply the techniques spoke of here ..should I just go ahead and take the test.
Thanks for youir input.

When I had about a year and a half to go, I told my PO I was going to apply for early termination. My counselor was all for it. Two weeks later, I'm on an ankle bracelet for a petty (waived off by my therapist; he didn't think it was noteworthy) infraction. There is absolutely no way you're going to get early termination. It would set a bad precedent. No doubt there are provisions in your state's laws for the process/procedure, but you can rest assured that the "informal" policy between PO and courts is that they NEVER approve it.

In Colorado, you get an "offer" to have probation extended - voluntarily on your part, of course - if you don't have two consecutive passes when your time is up. They say the polygraph can't be used for making those decisions, but the fact of the matter is authorities do. The Court already gives tacit approval of the polygraph - you have to participate in a program, and the program requires the polygraph testing.

[quote author=kingjames link=board=post;num=1113234230;start=0#5 date=12/20/05 at 08:58:58]  I was told last night in my therapy group that I will have to submit to polygraphs twice a year.  This is a new development in group, not something initially established when I started this program.  This has to be some violation of civil liberties, but the word for the ACLU is that they can do pretty much what they want, especially if it fall under the 'therapy' umbrella. 

KingJames,

   under your rules of parole/probation, you are to adhere to the PO's demands.  although at times may seem unreasonable, this is in lieu of finishing off your term in jail/prison.   you may feel it is a violation of your civil liberties, but look at who you have offended.  the PO's want to keep an eye out so that you don't reoffend.  i don't agree using a polygraph exam to keep you on the straight and narrow, but what course of action would you recommend?

KingJames,

   should the state be burdened with the bill on your conviction?   so you are asking that we, the taxpayers should pay for your probationary/testing costs?