In re. Harold E., No. H044085 (Cal. App. Sixth Dist.) May 11, 2017
Harold E., a minor serving probation following commission of second degree robbery, complained that a condition committing to his probation officer the power to limit Harold E.’s associations was unconstitutional both facially and as applied. The California Appellate Court disagreed, finding that the probation officer was limited in his ability to constrain Harold E.’s associations, and could not do so without consideration of Harold E.’s rehabilitation.
Juvenile freedoms are not coextensive with those of adults, the appellate court noted. Harold E., a ward of the state, is subject to the state’s exercise of its parens patriae powers. The probation officer may only preclude association with those deemed a threat to completion of probation the word ‘threat,’ in its ordinary meaning, does not suffer from vagueness.
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