About Probation Violations

When one has been given probation as part of their sentence in a criminal case, there are terms and conditions that must be followed.  These restrictions can include completing a court-mandated treatment program, paying fines, reporting to a probation officer and staying out of further legal problems.  When any of the terms of probation are violated, a warrant can be issued for your arrest on a probation violation offense.  You are in serious trouble if you are facing this situation, as it means that you can be picked up by law enforcement, anytime, any place.  Not only can this be extremely embarrassing and humiliating, it is also dangerous.  If you become aware that you have a warrant for a probation violation, it is critical that you contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately.

Violations of Probation and the Criminal Justice System

Many judges are very strict with regard to violations of the terms of probation, even in cases of DUI.  If the judge feels that you are showing contempt of court by your failure to adhere to the rules, they can impose the whole sentence that you had avoided by being on probation.  A further stretch of jail time can be added for the probation violation.  In some cases, the warrant is issued erroneously, as in cases of administrative errors.  This could occur if you failed to make a meeting due to illness and a message was not forwarded to the probation officer.  It could also occur if you did not know that you had not paid a fine in a timely manner as ordered by the court.  Such things as changes of address can create difficulties as you may not have received important court documents.

No matter how the situation came about, you are now forced to resolve the matter and try to stay out of jail.  With the assistance of a skilled probation violation defense lawyer, immediate action can be taken to solve the problem without the need for a court appearance.  If you have already been put in jail on the violation, the attorney will appear at the probation violation hearing to resolve the matter in front of the judge.  Never attempt this process without the strong support of a proven probation violation defense attorney.