Can Your Roommate's Probation Officer Search Your Computer
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan
Hello. So, me and my roommate live in a motel in the state of Michigan. I work from my computer, and will occasionally bring it into our motel room while he is off at work. One day, his PO stopped by for a random check. We had a chat, and he said my computer would be fine as long as my roommate wasn't near the computer. The following day, my roommate came home early from work. I was in the middle of packing up my computer, and my roommate was in the bathroom, not even 5 minutes after he arrived, when the PO knocked on the door. He had us sign a paper stating possession and acceptance to search the computer, stating that if I did not he wold hold the device and I would not be able to get it back. He had both me and my roommate sign both papers, saying it was required for us both, even though I am the sole owner and user of the computer. I was wondering exactly how legal this search was, and if it was, exactly what trouble me or my roommate could get in. I have, stored on the device, explicit imagery and video of bestiality, was well as cartoon porn involving minors (I believe they are only furry images, though I could be wrong).
Re: Legality of My Roommate's Po Confiscatation of My Laptop
I suspect what if any trouble here would be for your roommate but that would depend on why your roommate is on parole or probation and what restrictions have been imposed.
Re: Legality of My Roommate's Po Confiscatation of My Laptop
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Quoting
XivaKnight
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan
Hello. So, me and my roommate live in a motel in the state of Michigan. I work from my computer, and will occasionally bring it into our motel room while he is off at work. One day, his PO stopped by for a random check. We had a chat, and he said my computer would be fine as long as my roommate wasn't near the computer. The following day, my roommate came home early from work. I was in the middle of packing up my computer, and my roommate was in the bathroom, not even 5 minutes after he arrived, when the PO knocked on the door. He had us sign a paper stating possession and acceptance to search the computer, stating that if I did not he wold hold the device and I would not be able to get it back. He had both me and my roommate sign both papers, saying it was required for us both, even though I am the sole owner and user of the computer. I was wondering exactly how legal this search was, and if it was, exactly what trouble me or my roommate could get in. I have, stored on the device, explicit imagery and video of bestiality, was well as cartoon porn involving minors (I believe they are only furry images, though I could be wrong).
The search of the parolee's property and lodging was legal and you consented to the search of the computer. Doesn't matter that you felt compelled to. You could have said no and then potentially had legal recourse if the PO took it as he threatened to do.
All I can say is ditch your ex-con roommate and get your own room.
Then you won't have these problems anymore.