Probation is a popular way to resolve criminal cases. The benefits of probation are that you can avoid jail, receive a reduced sentence, have the charges against you dismissed or reduced, and maintain your sense of freedom. But you will only receive these benefits if you are able to follow the rules and stick to your probation. It sounds like easy enough task, but violating probation happens more often than you might think so knowing what harm can be caused by a violation will help you to stay on track.
A probation violation will not only mean your probation is revoked, but it is also a new crime. This means you will face additional punishment on top of the punishment for the original crime. Three ways a probation violation can hurt you are:
- Violating probation will land you in jail.
- A violation of probation means your probation is revoked and the full range of punishment for the initial crime becomes a possibility.
- A probation violation is a new crime, so the punishment is heightened because you face the consequences from the original crime and also the crime of violating probation.
The problem is that it can be hard to know when a violation has happened. Violations are classified as either technical or actual. An actual violation is easier to spot because it usually includes the commission of a new crime. A technical violation on the other hand is not as clear. Simply missing an appointment or failing to check in wen required can be a technical violation. The truth is that most people are not even aware they have committed a technical violation, and are surprised when their probation is revoked. It is not defense t claim you were uncertain of your probationary terms when defending against a violation, so be sure you know what you are getting into when entering probation. We are knowledgeable in this area and can help you if you have been charged with a probation violation or have questions about what to expect while on probation. Call one of our probation violation attorneys today.
For more information about probation and probation violations, call an experienced defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast. We offer an initial consultation for no charge, and look forward to helping you resolve your case in a satisfactory way.