Many criminal defendants make the choice to resolve their case by agreeing to go on probation. The reason probation is so popular is because it allows the defendant to serve their sentence outside the four walls of a jail cell. But in order to stay out of jail while on probation you have to follow all of the rules. This requires you to know what is expected of you during your probationary period, and then to take the steps needed to meet those expectations. One misstep will cause your probation to be revoked and you will be charged with violating probation.
Three requirements for a successful probation include:
- Making sure you are not arrested for a new charge or that you do not receive any new tickets. It might seem like overkill but our recommendation is that you do not even get pulled over for speeding while on probation.
- Going to drug or alcohol school, or participating in whatever program is part of your probation. You will have to provide proof you attended the courses so be sure to sign in upon arrival and obtain written documentation that you completed the course.
- Abiding by the terms of your probation which might include some sort of community service, or in the case of a DUI, the requirement that you have an interlock device installed on your car. It is best to make arrangements to have these things scheduled right away so you do not put anything off until the last minute.
If you have any questions about what you are supposed to be doing while on probation, call your probation officer. Another good source for instruction is your criminal defense attorney, who should be able to explain your probationary requirements to you clearly. If you are not sure about something, ask! The Judge will not accept as a defense that you did not know of a requirement or that you did not understand the terms of your probation. And if you are charged with a violation of probation you can face the full range of punishment for the original offense as well as the violation charge itself. This increases the potential range of jail time and also the amount of fines and costs you will be required to pay. Avoid these harsh consequences by letting us help you.
For help with probation violation cases, call our office to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney. We help people charged with all sorts of crimes in Stuart and the Treasure Coast. Call today to schedule an appointment.