Can Your Parole Officer Read Your Correspondence With Your Lawyer

[nocturna]

Hello everyone.

As the title states, is this legal? I'm currently on felony probation, and my probation officer is allowed to search my house and computer if he wishes. The last time he came (a few days ago), he got into my email and read several messages that were between my lawyer and myself. He then dissaproved of what was said, and told me not to do it again.. which to me, makes no sense. I'm apparently not allowed to contact my lawyer now? IS this even legal? Can he really go through those emails and read them, or is the confidentiality between lawyer and client gone in this case?

Just curious because it struck me as odd.

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Washington

Thanks!

[indybail]

Strikes me as odd too. Contact your lawyer anyway.

[PTPD22]

Unless your probation documentation places specific limitations, your PO can search anywhere he/she wants in any property under your domain...your person, residence, vehicle, computer, cell phone, whatever. So, yes, he/she can go through your emails and read them...along with your browsing history, chat sessions, downloaded files, and everything else. However, that does not mean that you have given up confidentiality regarding attorney/client communications. While your PO can read anything on your computer, nothing in any attorney/client communication can be used against you in court or to violate your probation...well, unless you are giving your attorney information about planned future crimes (plans for future crimes are not confidential and your attorney actually has a legal obligation to report such!)

Your PO has no authority to restrict your communication with your attorney. He/she can disapprove all he/she wants, but he has no authority to tell you to stop. If he/she tries to do so, you should complain to his/her supervisor. If you don't want your PO to see the communications at all, securely delete them.