Agreeing to go on probation is one of the most popular ways to resolve criminal cases. The way it works is that if you follow all of the terms and conditions of your probation, at the end of the term you will receive the benefit of your bargain. Most times the bargain is that if you are successful on probation, the charges against you will either be dismissed or reduced. And the best part of going on probation is that you get to server out a sentence without having to spend any time in jail. This scheme is desirable to most criminal defendants, but not everyone is able to abide by the rules and violations of probation happen all the time. The consequences can be severe, but with a little work you can stay on track and avoid committing a violation.

Three of the most significant consequences of a probation violation  are:

  • A violation of probation can send you to jail, and not just for the violation but for the underlying charge for which you were serving probation. This can really add up to more time in jail than most people want to spend, and can make it hard to defend the original case against you.

 

  • A probation violation results in revocation of your probationary term and you are then made to face the full weight of the charges against you, along with defending the probation violation charge. All of the sudden you can find yourself having to defend multiple charges instead of just one.

 

  • Probation violations are also considered crimes, and new charges for the violation will be filed against you.

 

Most violations are easily identifiable, because they are actual violations, which means a new crime has been committed while you were on probation. But it is also possible to violate the terms of your probation unknowingly. This most frequently happens when a defendant fails to report to their probation officer, or fails to pay the fines due on the case. If you are not clear about what you are supposed to do while on probation, call our office. Our probation violation attorneys can help you with your case today.

If you have questions about probation and probation violations, call a competent criminal defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast for help. Call us to schedule an appointment.