Probation is one of the most common ways to resolve a case against you. Defendants find going on probation attractive because it keeps them out of jail, and the prosecution is happy too because the defendant is required to do certain things while they are on probation. The end result is that the accused does their “time”, but gets to do it outside the four walls of the prison. The key is to meet all of the probationary requirements, and if you are able to do that, the rewards are great. Most often the agreement is that if the defendant is successful on probation, the charges are either dismissed or reduced at the end of the probationary term.
Two of the top benefits of having a successful probation term include:
- A reduction or dismissal of the charges against you, which can pave the way for a possible expungement of the charges from your criminal record. An expungement is not available in every case, but for those cases where it is an option, staying on track with your probation can mean a clean record down the road.
- Going on probation keeps you out of jail, which means you can still go to work or school while serving your sentence. For most people this is the biggest benefit of probation, because it allows you to maintain some semblance of your normal day to day routine.
If these benefits sound good to you, make sure you understand all of the requirements of your probation before agreeing to the terms. If you are not able to fulfill all of the probationary requirements you can be charged with a probation violation. A violation is a new charge against you, so you will now have two cases instead of one to defend, and a violation also results in the revocation of your probation. This is not a desirable position to be in, but it does happen. If you have questions about probation, or have been charged with violating your probation, you must act quickly to protect yourself. Call our office and talk with one of our qualified criminal defense attorneys today to find out your next step.
If you have been charged with a probation violation, or have questions about what is included in agreeing to go on 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.