If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, you might be wondering what type of punishment you will have to endure. Most cases involve the payment of a fine, the possibility of going to jail, or maybe avoiding jail time by agreeing to go on probation. When you make the choice to resolve your case by going on probation, you have to make certain you understand the probationary terms so you can be successful. If you are able to stay on track with your probation, you will get the benefit of the bargain you made when making the probationary agreement. But if you make a mistake, you will face the full weight of the charges as well as the new charge of violating probation.
Three tips for handling a probation violation are:
- Determining whether the violation was an actual violation, or a technical violation. Your attack will be different depending on the type of violation, and the outcome can also be impacted by whether the violation was actual or technical. An actual violation is one where a new arrest is made, and a technical violation can be made without you even knowing it has happened. Good examples of technical violations include things like failing to pay fines, or missing an appointment.
- Figuring out what the possible punishment could be if you are found to have violated probation. When a probation violation occurs, the defendant can be sentenced the full range of punishment for the original charge. This, on top of any punishment for the violation, can be too much for most people to handle. So, you have to be aware of the possibilities, and then work towards a result that is reasonable.
- Dealing with the revocation of your probation, which could require you to appear in court sooner than you had planned and/or to pay more fines than fit your budget.
If you have been arrested for violating probation, acting fast will help. Tackling this type of charge head on and right away is the best choice because it shows you are serious about serving your “sentence”. The more accountable you make yourself; the more likely the end result will be something you can do.
If you have questions about how to defend a probation violation, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast for answers. Your first visit is a free consultation and we work with you to reach results that fit your needs.