As your probation officer most likely explained to you, there are indeed consequences for probation violations.
What constitutes a violation?
Missing appointments, failing to meet other expectations as set by your probation officer, and of course, committing a new crime all put you at risk of incurring a violation by your probation officer.
What are the Consequences of Violating Probation?
If you are lucky — particularly if you are on probation for a minor conviction, or you have never previously violated probation — your probation officer may forego violating you. This is something probation officers often do for minor offenses, particularly if the violation is not due to you receiving a new charge.
Probation violations consist of one or more of the following:
- Extra time added to your probationary period
- Your probation time being "reset" – so you have to start over
- Additional requirements added to your probationary terms
- Jail time
- Probation being revoked, meaning you would be required to serve your probationary time in jail or prison
Do I need a lawyer to help me with a probation violation?
A probation violation has the potential to wreak serious havoc in your life, and at best, it can set you back from being finished with your probationary term in a timely manner. At worst, it can affect relationships, result in loss of tuition for college students, and even loss in employment, which can lead to the risk of homelessness.
An experienced criminal attorney will examine your case from every angle and provide you with the right advice to help you make the best of your situation. Considering that your case is at the mercy of your probation officer, the prosecutor in the event of new charges, and the assigned judge, you want to be able to walk into court with every possible advantage at your disposal.
Get professional legal representation to assist with your probation violation by contacting Hager & Schwartz today (954) 840-8713.