After being told that they "failed" a poly, an SO might confess to other crimes or violations. Failing the poly could lead to the SO being kicked out of mandatory treatment for being dishonest with his therapists. His PO could also impose severe supervision restrictions making it very tough for the SO to not violate some rule.
Polygraphs are not "lie detectors", they are an interrogation tool.

It's not the polygraph that gets you violated.... It's the PO convincing a judge. They don't need a polygraph to do that just a convincing argument to the judge as to why they want to violate you. If the PO believes you're lying they can make it real rough for you....

Yes have to echo what hank and free are saying. The PO owns you when you are on probation. This is just one of those leashes. I think it is more symbolic because like you said it can't be used in court, however you are not going to pass treatment if you refuse. If you don't pass treatment your life on probation is horrible. They won't revoke you for the polygraph but they will find something else. If you look hard enough everyone breaks the law somehow. It's even easier to break it when you have extra restrictions placed on you.

So while it isn't a legal reason, failing or refusing to take the poly is the de facto reason why you may be revoked.

Everyone is right here. I got violated on my probation and sent to prison for 2.5 years because I failed my polygraph. But "officially" it was because I failed it and then that led to me getting kicked out of SO treatment. So the judge hears "kicked out of SO treatment" not "failed polygraph". In reality the PO can violate you for pretty much any rule violation. Turned out being sent to prison was good, now I am off lifetime probation and have no restrictions here in AZ.

Damn tech I was violated for getting kicked out of SOTP after failing a poly. I got 5 months in and 1 month halfway house and the judge ended my supervised release. The judge gave me the option of that deal or no prison but adding 3 years supervised release.

Were you on probation or Parole, Hank?....Sounds like supervised release means parole right?

Supervised Release is like federal probation after serving your 85% jail time. The Feds don't have parole.

My guy had his 2nd Poly, and we thought he passed since nobody had said anything for three weeks. At this last PO appointment, the PO said that he failed one question. That same evening, the therapist called to say that he failed the Poly and now has to take treatment classes twice a week. We just can't afford that. He can re-take the test to see if he can pass, but what exactly does that do? The test is complete nonsense, and nothing more than a coin toss. So, if he passes this time, it would really even prove that. If he fails, he is stuck with 8 classes per month. Nothing sounds legit and more like a conspiracy to get more money. Have any of you failed and then retook it and passed? Any advice please….this is getting so ridiculous.

Because they pretty much treat registered citizens how ever they want to

I am surprised that they withheld telling your guy that he failed until later. Sadly, they can do whatever they want to in this regard. I wish there was something I could say to help you all get past this. If you challenge the PO, that will go against your guy. Sorry, speaking from experience.

In regards to failing, then retaking and passing? Yes I had to do so. Both fails were followed by a pass on the 2nd time. Otherwise anyone would get violated.

I've only known of one guy who kept failing poly's and he was eventually violated and given another 5 years probation after failing 3 in a row and constantly lying in group. He was about to get out of treatment and then do the last 6 months of probation w/out treatment. He couldn't handle that he was almost done. The bigger downside is that this caused the probation department to never let anyone out of treatment early.