My question involves criminal law for the state of: CA

About 2 years ago, my son was convicted of 2 felonies (theft & receiving stolen property-type charges -- 2 charges) in a S. CA County. He was 19, and had moved there to attend college, living with his dad, until dad booted him out (before getting into trouble). (No prior legal trouble ever; no juvenile trouble.)

As soon as I found out he was in jail, I immediately drove from N. CA to S. CA. He was released on "own recognizance," by the time I got there. However, he was ordered to stay in that County. Since he had been in jail, his name was on calendar the next day, so we went to the judge and got permission to take him BACK to N. CA to reside with his family. Drove him to all court dates, etc. He got 3 years probation and 90 days with EM (released 30-40 days early).

He was just in S. CA to visit and work with his dad for a few days to earn some $$. He went into the PO's office, court clerk, etc., trying to get info on how to reduce his charges, get off probation early, etc. Well, the PO decided to drug test him. Son said, "it will come dirty cuz smoked pot a couple of weeks ago." PO said "better to 'freely admit' and not have to do the test." But still is sending him to Court for a probation violation. He also said something about MAKING him come back to that County to do EM in lieu of jail! Well, he doesn't have a home there for house arrest! Cannot live with father, etc. It is MUCH more expensive to live there than here. He lived with family until about 6 months ago: now paying own rent, on a rental contract, utility bills in his name, etc.; has worked a few jobs (in between right now -- hard w/the felonies on record to get "good" employment).

He was initially on a low-level "courtesy probation" with office up here, but they dropped him about 7 months ago; I assume he was just too low priority for them to continue.

What is likely outcome here? Can he do a drug education/prevention program? Or community service? I don't see how they can make him go back to S. CA to LIVE there! He had been attending school, but took this semester off, so I suggested he get re-enrolled right away -- anything to show he is established and MOVING forward here in N. CA.

Oh, PO also told him to send a letter by end of next week stating "WHY" he should be allowed or NEEDS to continue living here.