FAQs

General

Q: What is the procedure for the drug testing program also known as Code-A-Phone Answering Service?

Answer

Code-A-Phone is a random urinalysis system that requires participants to call the hotline on a daily basis, listen for a designated number and report to the required location on the specified day for submission.

Q: How can I have my probation/supervised release terminated early?

Answer

You are eligible to request early termination from probation or supervised release under the following circumstances:

After you have completed at least one year of supervision, your attorney can petition the Court.

Q: I have a family member/friend who is scheduled to be released from prison. They were convicted in federal court in another district or state but want to reside in the _____ District of _____. How can his/her case be transferred?

Answer

The offender must request transfer of jurisdiction through his/her Bureau of Prisons Case Manager. When the request is made by the case manager, the U.S. Probation Office will conduct an investigation to determine whether the offender may transfer and report its findings to the Bureau of Prisons. The transfer of jurisdiction may only occur with approval from the district that would receive and supervise the offender.

Q: If I am convicted of a Federal crime, can I or a family member own or possess a firearm?

Answer

An individual convicted of a felony offense is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). Possession of a firearm by a family member living in the same residence as a convicted felon could constitute constructive possession, which may violate federal law.

Q: How do I have my conviction expunged?

Answer

Federal convictions cannot be expunged. However, you may apply for a Presidential Pardon. Any person convicted of a felony in Federal court is eligible to file a petition for a Presidential Pardon under the following circumstances, although some exceptions may apply:

The individual is no longer serving the sentence and is not under parole, probation, or supervised release;
Five years have passed since release from confinement or if confinement was not imposed, five years from the date of conviction; and
A waiting period of seven years is required for more serious offenses, including violations of narcotic laws, income tax laws, perjury, violation of public trust involving dishonesty, violent crimes, gun control laws, fraud involving substantial sums of money, violations involving organized crime, and other crimes of a serious nature.

It is strongly recommended that you consult with an attorney to assist you with the process. Pardon applications may be obtained by making a written request to the Office of the Pardon Attorney, at the following address:

Office of the Pardon Attorney United States Department of Justice 1425 New York Ave NW, Suite 11000, Washington, DC 20530.

Q: Where can I find the probation or pretrial service office mailing address?

Answer

See our Office Locations.

Q: What is the presentence investigation phase of a case?

Answer

Presentence investigation occurs after a defendant enters a plea of guilty to a federal offense or is convicted by trial. During this phase, a probation officer interviews the defendant to gather information on the defendant's background. From the interviews and investigation, the probation officer prepares a presentence report for the judge to use to determine the appopriate sentence for the defendant.

Q: What is supervision?

Answer

Supervision in the federal system is:

A core responsibility of U.S. probation and pretrial services officers, along with investigation.
A way to monitor the activities and behavior of people released to the community by the federal courts or paroling authorities.
An opportunity to help offenders reintegrate into the community following a period of incarceration.
In the case of probation, a punishment that is less severe than imprisonment, but still holds people accountable for breaking the law.
An alternative to jail or prison that costs less than incarceration and gives people charged with or convicted of federal crimes the opportunity to live with their families, hold jobs, and be productive members of society.

Q: If I am convicted of a Federal crime, am I permitted to hunt?

Answer

An individual convicted of a felony offense is prohibited from possessing a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), but is not prohibited from hunting consistent with state regulations.

Provided that they are not subject to probation/supervised release conditions prohibiting the possession of a dangerous weapon, felons may hunt with bows and/or black powder rifles.

Q: I have been found guilty in Federal Court, what happens next?

Answer

Most likely the judge has ordered a presentence report that will be used at your sentencing hearing. Your case will be assigned to a U.S. Probation Officer for the preparation of the presentence report, which will include a personal interview with you.

Q: I am an employer and I want to know if a prospective employee has been convicted of a crime, can you run a background check?

Answer

The U.S. Probation Office is restricted from disclosing information to the public. However, most convictions are generally available in public records. These records are maintained by the U.S. District Court Clerk.

Q: How do I get a certified copy of a document?

Answer

You may request a certified copy of a document by contacting the clerk’s office. Contact information for the clerk is found on the Contact Us page.

Q: I have a friend/family member who is in prison. How do I find out where he is being held?

Answer

If your friend/family member was convicted in Federal court, he most likely is held in a prison operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. This information is publicly available via the Federal Bureau of Prisons website with the Inmate Locator.

Q: What are the standard conditions of probation the court must impose?

Answer

Individuals on supervision are required by the Court to abide by certain rules. These rules are called the conditions of supervision. They are basically the same whether the person is on probation, parole, military parole, mandatory release, or supervised release.

For a list of conditions, see the the Standard Conditions of Probation.

Q: I am on probation/supervised release. Am I allowed to leave the state?

Answer

The Western District of North Carolina is comprised of 32 Counties. You are allowed to travel freely within these counties. Unless you are given permission in advance by the judge in your case, any requests to travel outside of these counties must be approved in advance by your U.S. Probation Officer.

Failure to do so may result in a violation of your supervision.

Western District of NC Map Link

Q: I have been released from federal prison, how soon do I have to report for supervision?

Answer

Once released from custody, you are required to report to your assigned Probation Officer within 72 hours of release, which includes weekends and holidays. Please call (704) 350-7600 between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, for instructions on where to report. If you have been convicted in another district, please contact the U.S. Probation Office in the district in which you have been convicted.

Failure to report will constitute grounds for a violation of supervised release.

Q: I know of a family member who is on Federal probation/supervised release, can you tell me what crime they committed?

Answer

The U.S. Probation Office is restricted from disclosing information to the public, which includes family members. However, most convictions can be found in public records. These public records are maintained by the U.S. District Court Clerk.

Q: I have been sentenced and am waiting to be told where to report to serve my sentence. Do I report to my U.S. Probation Officer until I am assigned to a prison?

Answer

If you were released on bond with pretrial supervision, you are still required to report to your U.S. Pretrial Services Agency Officer until you report to prison. Failure to abide by these conditions after sentencing could result in arrest and remand for immediate service of the sentence.

Q: I am owed court-ordered restitution, who do I contact to get my money?

Answer

The U.S. Probation Office is not authorized to release information regarding payments received and distributed by criminal defendants. Please contact the U.S. District Court Clerk for information if you believe you are owed court-ordered restitution.

Q: I owe restitution for my crime. Who do I pay?

Answer

All payments for fines, restitution and special assessments ordered by the judge in your case are to be paid to the U.S. District Court Clerk in the district in which you were convicted. Please include your name and case number on your cashier’s check or money order.

Q: Where can I get information regarding child support?

Answer

For information regarding child support, call your state’s Department of Health and Human Services.

Child Support Services Link

Q: Should the provider follow up to make sure the electronic RFP was received?

Answer

Yes. Vendor should contact US Probation to make sure all paperwork was received.

Q: What is the number for the US Marshal in Asheville?

Answer

The phone number is Answer: 828-771-7400

Q: What is the number for the US Marshal in Charlotte?

Answer

You can reach the Marshal's service at 704-344-6231 or 704-344-6234

Q: What is the number for Mecklenburg County Clerk's Office?

Answer

The phone number is 704-686-0600

Q: How do I check to see if someone is in custody at the Mecklenburg County Jail?

Answer

You can search using the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Website

Q: What is the number for the Catawba Count State Probation Office?

Answer

The phone number is 828-327-4670

Q: What is the number of the Federal Public Defender's Office in Charlotte?

Answer

The phone number is 704-374-0720

Q: What is the number for the Asheville Federal Clerk of Court Office?

Answer

The phone number is 828-771-7200, office is open M-F 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding federal holidays

Q: What is the number for the Mecklenburg County State Probation Office?

Answer

The phone number is 704-342-6836

Q: What is the Iredell County State Probation Office phone number?

Answer

The phone number is 704-878-4229

Q: How does an inmate get a copy of his/her Presentence report?

Answer

If in a local jail, have the inmate contact his/her attorney. If in a Federal prison, the inmate should contact his/her case manager.

United States Probation Office

Western District of North Carolina

Barbara Carrigan - Chief U.S. Probation Officer

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FAQs

General