Whether you’re on supervised or unsupervised probation, there will be rules you have to follow. This includes a potential probation drug test at regular interviews, or with suspicion of breaking the terms of your probation.
But don’t worry, we have got you covered fully in the next five minutes. Everything you need to know about drug testing for probation. What probation drug tests look for, the number of panels on the test, what happens when you fail, and how to mitigate failure the best way.
Plus, I’ll tell you exactly how to pass a probation drug test every single time, so you can stop worrying about failure
Drug Testing For Probation: How It Works In The USA
The first thing to understand is that probation can work slightly differently in each state in the USA, due to the nature of the state vs federal system. On top of that, obviously each situation is individual. Plus, judges and how the courts act can be different as well.
So please don’t take everything I say is black and white and definitely going to happen. Be aware of everything, so you don’t get caught out with whatever arises in your own personal situation.
Generally, the goals of probation across the USA are:
- Minimize prisoner occupancy levels
- Promote rehabilitation
- Ensure probation compliance
- Encourage progress within society
- Act as a deterrent (suspended sentences)
How Often Are You Drug Tested On Probation?
Ultimately, there’s absolutely no hard and fast rule about when you are drug tested on probation. How often, and when, will depend on a multitude of factors. This can also include the offence you are found guilty of, how you behave and the lifestyle you keep while on probation.
You’ll know the terms of your probation through the documents given to you before the probation starts though.
Generally, you must obviously be compliant with these terms, including any drug testing.
Drug testing on probation can be:
- Entirely random
- On a fixed schedule
- With suspicion
- Court ordered
Combine all that together, and it’s impossible to predict fully. But ensuring good behavior, minimizing suspicion, and getting a good rapport with the probation officer/service you are working with will all minimize your chances of being drug tested frequently.
What Panel Drug Test Does Probation Use?
When it comes to knowing the panel drug test probation uses, it’s usually a standard 5 panel urine drug test in most situations, either administered through a court or probation drug testing location (some courts have testing on-site) or at a third-party drug testing company location.
Sometimes it can be a mouth swab 5 panel test, but this is actually quite unusual due to the short period of time that drugs are detectable in saliva. But if there is drug testing on-site at the court or probation office, then it can be used.
In terms of what the probation drug test tests for, it’s usually:
- PCP
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine/amphetamine
- Opiates
What Do Probation Drug Test For (Is It A Fixed Set Of Drugs)?
Having told you it’s the standard five panel drug test, a fixed set of substances to look for, I want to give you a warning. You cannot assume it’s going to be a standard test. You will NOT know in advance what number of panels your sample will be tested against.
So even though overwhelmingly it will just be the standard five panel test, you could face a more stringent drug test, depending on the situation.
What Happens If You Fail A Drug Test On Probation
Failing a drug test on probation can have different outcomes, depending on whether it’s your first failed drug test and the nature of failing. Generally, though, these are the things that come into play that will be considered in the proceedings.
- Probation violation hearing
Your probation officer will almost certainly schedule a probation violation hearing. You might get away with it if it’s minor, but depending on the circumstances, this could be a full court hearing with a judge.
The judge will take in consideration things like the severity, type of drugs, scenario they were consumed in, and your general compliance with your probation so far.
Obviously the nature of your previous crime and your attitude will come into play here as well.
- Face the consequences
The hearing will produce an outcome, and consequences for failing a drug test. For a first-time offence, and depending on other circumstances, it might just be a warning. But there will be strings attached.
You could have your probation contract re-written, making it stricter, and therefore have the terms of your probation changed.
The judge could increase community service hours, increase the number of meetings with your probation officer, order unscheduled home visits from the probation service, and also increase drug testing.
Obviously, depending on the circumstances, this could extend to canceling probation and triggering increased jail time.
- Individual factors are considered
The truth is the nature of the crime will matter, as will your personal circumstances.
If they catch you smoking cannabis and it’s your first offense, and you are a family man doing well, you’re unlikely to get anything more than a warning.
Coming into play as well will be the severity of your initial offense that put you on probation in the first place. If you’re on probation for a previous drug use and violent disorder, don’t expect a second chance.
How To Stand The Best Chance Of A Lenient Response
Drug testing probation doesn’t follow a strict process after failure. There are obviously guidelines and normal circumstances from previous experience, but your personal circumstances and the nature of the offense will matter.
To stand the best chance of a lenient response, ensure the following:
- Acknowledge your mistake. If necessary use it as a call for help, and ask for help.
- If inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, support groups, or other support is on offer, ask for it. It shows remorse and proactive behavior.
- Always demonstrate genuine sorrow, even if you aren’t.
- Always be informed and prepared. Understand the processes and your rights. Make sure that you consult with an attorney or expert if needed.
- Remember that your probation can be revoked on the spot. You’ll be arrested, the warrant is cleared, meaning a requirement to post another bond, and you’ll go right back to the start again. Make sure you understand your legal rights, and do everything possible to avoid this.
Drug Testing & Unsupervised Probation
Unsupervised probation shows more leniency towards minor crimes where you were borderline on being under supervised probation or getting jail time. In terms of the conditions of your probation, and drug testing, these will usually also be more lenient.
You’ll still get terms for your probation, it will talk about drug testing, so you will know where you will stand. Usually, this is a standard clause about drug testing, regardless of the type of probation you are on.
Remember as well, whether it’s supervised or unsupervised, that alcohol testing might also come into play. With unsupervised probation, it’s not a free pass. It also doesn’t mean there are no consequences and you should just carry on doing what you like.
You can be checked up on and drug testing in exactly the same way as with supervised probation. The fact that you aren’t regularly scrutinized or tested doesn’t mean it can’t happen.
How To Pass A Probation Drug Test
The probation drug test is usually a urine sample drug test. Also, when it comes to knowing what panel drug test does probation use, it’s a five panel test.
In fact, everything about it is standard, in terms of the number of panels and the substances looked for, so knowing how to pass a probation drug test is pretty straightforward.
Here’s how you can pass a standard 5 panel drug test on probation:
- Synthetic urine
Synthetic Urine is the best way to pass, if the test is unsupervised. However, on probation tests can be supervised, so you need to know in advance of submitting your sample. The best on the market is called Quick Luck, from Clear Choice. It has the characteristics to pass even the most modern drug testing scrutiny.
On top of that, it uses heat activator powder rather than a heatpad to maintain the temperature until you submit it. For more information on synthetic urine, check out our complete guide
- Detox drinks
If the test is supervised, then a good quality detox drink called Rescue Cleanse is the best alternative.
Abstain from drug use as long as possible, several days before your test if you have the time and notification. 90 minutes before your test, drink the contents of the bottle and then urinate frequently over one hour. Sip a little extra water if necessary.
Even for heavier users you will get two or three hours clean, and up to 5 hours clean for lighter levels of drug metabolites in the body. For more information on synthetic urine, check out our Rescue Cleanse review.
