What to do if…
your probation or supervision officer says you may be in violation and wants to meet urgently

What to do now

1. Reply clearly and quickly, in writing if you can. Say you received the message and ask for the time, place, and the condition or requirement they say is involved, such as a missed appointment, test, curfew, address, contact restriction, or treatment attendance.
2. If you genuinely cannot attend at that time, say so immediately. Give the reason, propose the earliest realistic alternative, and ask: “What should I do right now to stay compliant until we meet?” Keep screenshots or copies of what you send and any reply.
3. Check your exact conditions now. Find the paperwork, licence, order, appointment letters, texts, or emails that list what you must do. Bring the most relevant papers or have them ready on your phone.
4. Try to get legal advice quickly. If you already have a solicitor, ask for a same-day call. If not, contact a criminal defence solicitor and say the issue may involve probation breach, licence recall, or a suspended sentence or community order.
5. Make a small proof pack. Only include things that directly explain the issue, such as call logs, texts, appointment letters, work rota, travel disruption proof, treatment attendance, prescription information, or a medical note. Put them in date order.
6. Arrive early if you are attending in person. Take ID, a charged phone, your proof pack, and a notebook. If you are delayed on the way, message before the appointment time if possible and keep proof of the delay.
7. At the meeting, ask for the allegation before you explain. Say: “Can you tell me exactly what you think I have not complied with, and what information you are relying on?” Write down the answer.
8. Use a steady sentence if you feel pushed to admit something. For example: “I want to cooperate, but I am not comfortable making a statement or signing anything beyond attendance until I have checked the details and had legal advice, unless a solicitor tells me otherwise.”
9. Ask what process they are using. Depending on your sentence and the part of the UK you are in, this may be treated as court breach action, licence recall being considered, or another compliance step. Ask what step is being taken next and what you must do before then.
10. Leave with the next instructions in writing if possible. Ask for confirmation of the next appointment, any testing or reporting dates, and any temporary instructions so you do not accidentally create a second problem.