Violation of Probation Lawyers
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What is Probation?
Probation is a sentencing process that allows the offender to avoid jail or prison altogether. Instead of being confined, the person is allowed to resume to resume their normal activities in the community. However, in exchange for avoiding the jail sentence, the person will be required to abide by several terms and conditions which are determined by a judge.
Probation periods typically last anywhere from 1-5 years. Violation of probation conditions can lead to additional legal consequences. Probation is different from parole, which allows a person to be released from jail after they have served at least a portion of the jail term.
What are some of the Terms and Conditions for Probation?
Some common probation conditions are:
- Obeying court orders and judge mandates
- Abiding by all laws and criminal statutes
- Attending regular meetings with a probation officer
- Abstaining from alcohol and drugs (often being subject to random drug tests)
- Informing officers of any changes in residence or employment
- Limitations on travel
- Being subject to announced and unannounced visits from a probation officer
Thus, probation violation may occur if the offender avoids, refuses, ignores, or violates such conditions.
What are the Consequences for Violating Probation?
A judge has broad discretion to impose penalties for probation violations. State laws may also restrict the sentences. Depending on the severity of the violation, disobeying probation terms can result in:
- Revocation of probation privileges
- Large monetary fines
- A brief period in jail
- Re-imposition of the original jail/prison sentence which was originally avoided by the probation
- Monetary restitution (paying fines to victims or persons who have been injured)
Some lighter forms of penalties for probation violations can include: attending mandatory rehabilitation programs, performing community service, or enrollment in a “boot camp” type behavioral corrections program.
How does the Probation Hearing process work? What are my Legal Rights?
- The right to receive notice, in writing, of the alleged violations
- The right to be heard by an unbiased judge in court
- The right to be represented by an attorney, and
- The right to present witness testimony and evidence in support of your defense
Finally, you should understand that the standard of proof is lower in a probation hearing than in a standard criminal trial. In a criminal trial, the prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. In a probation violation hearing, the prosecutor only needs to prove the violation according to “preponderance of evidence” standards, which means a likelihood of greater than 50 percent.
Should I Hire a Criminal Attorney for Violations of Probation?
If you have been accused of violating probation, you should contact a criminal lawyer for advice before you proceed any further. It is important to understand your rights in a probation hearing in order to avoid and minimize further legal consequences.
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Last Modified: 01-28-2011 04:42 PM PST
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