Opinion ID: 528890
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Fair Warning: Validity of Condition # 2

Text: 18 Tham argues that condition # 2 of his general probation conditions, which required him to associate only with law abiding persons, was not explained to him to mean that he was prohibited from associating with convicted felons. He contends that, as a result, he did not have fair warning of what behavior was prohibited. Tham is correct in asserting that a condition of probation that does not by its terms make clear what is prohibited must be explained to the probationer before it can serve as foundation for a violation. 2 See Simmons, 812 F.2d at 566-67; United States v. Dane, 570 F.2d 840, 844 (9th Cir.1977), cert. denied, 436 U.S. 959, 98 S.Ct. 3075, 57 L.Ed.2d 1124 (1978); United States v. Bonnano, 452 F.Supp. 743, 755 (N.D.Cal.1978), aff'd mem., 595 F.2d 1229 (9th Cir.1979). The testimony at the hearing, however, was conflicting as to the date Tham was told that condition # 2 prohibited associating with convicted felons. Tham testified that he was told by his probation officer in March 1988. The probation officer, however, testified that she told him in July of 1987. 19 The credibility of witnesses is best left to the district court; we cannot say that the district court abused its discretion. Because the court could reasonably find that Tham was warned in July 1987 that he was prohibited from associating with convicted felons, his subsequent associations are valid grounds to revoke his probation.