Agreeing to go on probation is a good way to stay out of jail if you have been charged with a crime. But, it only works if you are able to stick to the terms of your probation. When you do that, you get the benefit of the bargain you made, which most times includes a reduction or dismissal of the charges against you. However, if you make a mistake, it can cost you your probation and more. A probation violation is a new charge, so you will now have to defend that charge and the original charge. And when you violate probation, you are likely to be punished to the full extent of the law for the initial charge filed against you. So, knowing what to do while on probation becomes of the upmost importance, and we are here to help get you through this phase of your case successfully.

The first step to making sure you don’t commit a probation violation is in knowing what constitutes a violation. The top two ways to violate probation are:

  • By committing a new crime. Any new crime is a probation violation, and you will then be defending the new crime, the original crime, and the crime of probation violation. If you need to change your circle of friends to stay away from opportunities to get in trouble, we recommend you do so. You will be happier in the end, when you are successful on probation, and can move forward with things that matter.
  • Committing a new crime is an actual violation of probation, but there are also things that are classified as technical violations that will cause your probation to be revoked. The biggest technical violation is falling to pay fines and costs. If you are having financial difficulty, let your attorney know so alternate arrangements can be made if possible. It is also a technical violation to miss an appointment, or fail to check in when scheduled. We recommend you put all important dates on your calendar, and refer to it regularly so you know when and where you are supposed to be taking action to comply with the terms of your probation.

For more information, call our office. We will help you to understand what is expected of you and answer any questions you have about what you can or cannot do while on probation. And, if you have been charged with a probation violation, we can help there too.

 

For more information about probation, call our office today. Contact us today schedule an appointment with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast. The first visit is a free initial consultation.