Generally speaking “ignorance of the law is no defense”. The law presumes that ordinary citizens are aware of legal rules and regulations, and will abide by them without fail. In the real world though, we know this is not how life works. It is near impossible to know every nuance of the law, and go about your day without breaking at least a few rules. Take, for example, your daily commute. Chances are you exceed the speed limit, roll through a stop sign, or fail to yield while driving. That said, you may not always be ticketed for these offenses, and no harm usually comes from your actions. But when the possibility of an undesirable result arises, it is smart to know what to expect.
One of the most important areas of criminal law that all criminal defendants should be knowledgeable about is the area of probation. If you are successful in negotiating a term of probation, here is what you can expect:
- The requirement that you maintain a clean record, which means no new arrests.
● Regular check ins with your probation officer.
● A lesser degree of independence, such as being prohibited from attending certain events or associating with certain persons. You might also be under curfew, and only allowed to travel to and from work, school, or Church.
Giving up these freedoms is a sacrifice, but the reward is great. If you are successful on probation, you can expect to have the original charges either reduced or dropped. It all depends on the terms you negotiate, and how well you perform while on probation. Our attorneys help you reach your goals and ultimate success by making sure you are clear on what to expect while on probation. Arming yourself with the knowledge of what is expected will help you avoid circumstances where you might otherwise not know the rules. For instance, knowing that a missed appointment with your probation officer can land you in jail will help to make sure you don’t forget what’s on your calendar. And you will certainly not be put in a position of simply saying you “didn’t know”.
If you have questions about probation, call our office to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney. We help people charged in Stuart and the Treasure Coast. Call today to schedule an appointment for a free initial evaluation of your case.