Probation Violation

If you were recently convicted of a crime, you may have been given probation as part of your sentence.  As an alternative to jail, this probably seems pretty lenient—after all, you get to serve your sentence at home and go about your life as usual, right? While this may be true to an extent, if you are charged with a probation violation, you could face far tougher penalties.

When you were first sentenced, the judge most likely assigned a probation officer to your case. This person is responsible for keeping tabs on you and making sure you abide by the terms of your probation, and part of those terms may include meeting with him or her on a regular basis. As a result, missing a scheduled meeting with your probation officer is usually a violation—in fact, it’s one of the most common types.

Your probation sentence probably included other ground rules, many of which may be based on your original offense. For example, if you were found guilty of driving under the influence, your alcohol use may be restricted and even monitored through random drug and alcohol testing. Other common requirements for probation include performing community service, attending a drug or alcohol education program, and paying monthly probation fees. 

Along with any of the specific terms you are given, your probation sentence is likely to include a number of basic limitations. You may not be allowed to move, change jobs, or even leave the state without permission from your probation officer. And, since you are expected to abide by the laws in your area, you could be charged with violating your probation if you are facing new criminal charges or are caught associating with criminals.

So what happens if you are charged with a probation violation? Since your probation officer has total discretion over the type of punishment you receive, it’s all up to him or her. If you have no prior violations on your record and committed a minor offense, you may only be given a warning. However, for more severe violations or repeat offenses, your probation officer may let a judge decide your punishment in court. If you are found guilty, the judge may then impose additional probation terms, extend the length of your sentence, or even revoke your probation completely and put you behind bars instead.

However, because your probation officer must prove that you actually violated your probation terms, you may be able to fight your charges and avoid the consequences of a probation violation. That’s why it’s so important to have skilled legal representation when your day in court arrives.

Improve your chances at trial. Discuss your probation violation charge with an experienced criminal defense attorney in your area. Finish a free online case evaluation form for dedicated legal assistance.

States/Abbreviations
AK	Alaska	LA	Louisiana	OH	Ohio
AL	Alabama	MA	Massachusetts	OK	Oklahoma
AR	Arkansas	MD	Maryland	OR	Oregon
AZ	Arizona	ME	Maine	PA	Pennsylvania
CA	California	MI	Michigan	RI	Rhode Island
CO	Colorado	MN	Minnesota	SC	South Carolina
CT	Connecticut	MO	Missouri	SD	South Dakota
DE	Delaware	MS	Mississippi	TN	Tennessee
FL	Florida	MT	Montana	TX	Texas
GA	Georgia	NC	North Carolina	UT	Utah
HI	Hawaii	ND	North Dakota	VT	Vermont
IA	Iowa	NE	Nebraska	VA	Virginia
ID	Idaho	NH	New Hampshire	WA	Washington State
IL	Illinois	NJ	New Jersey	WI	Wisconsin
IN	Indiana	NM	New Mexico	WV	West Virginia
KS	Kansas	NV	Nevada	WY	Wyoming
KY	Kentucky	NY	New York	DC	Washington DC