Probation Violation? What You Need to Know!
For people who have never been on probation, it may seem like the best of a long list of bad options. While it is certainly a better alternative to incarceration, probation is still an incredibly restrictive experience. Having to schedule your life around visits to see your probation officer or struggling to cover associated fees is a challenge you can’t afford to fail. The threat of more serious penalties for probation violations is intended to encourage compliance, but sometimes life gets in the way. With such a narrow margin for error, it may seem like you are set up to fail. Don’t worry—even if you are charged with violating the terms of your probation, a criminal defense attorney in West Palm Beach can help you.
What is a Probation Violation?
To understand what constitutes a violation, you must first understand probation.
Probation is defined as a period of supervision over a person convicted of a crime. This can either be ordered in conjunction with prison time or as an alternative to incarceration. During the probation period, offenders are expected to adhere to a strict code of conduct, including regularly checking in with a designated probation officer, covering any fees as determined by the courts, and other terms of your sentence.
As the name would suggest, a probation violation is any act that goes against the terms of your probation. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Failing to appear in court on a designated date and time
- Failing to report to your probation officer
- Failing to pay fines or restitution
- Traveling out of state or visiting certain places or people without permission
- Possession, use, or sale of controlled substances
- Committing other criminal offenses
- Getting arrested
Consequences of Probation Violation
The penalties for probation violation vary in severity depending on a few factors. This is determined by the severity of the violation, prior history or probation violations, and extenuating circumstances surrounding the violation. Based on these factors, a judge may order further fines, extended probation, or jail time.
What’s important when dealing with a probation violation is to do everything in your power to minimize the damage. Enlisting the assistance of a criminal defense law firm in West Palm Beach can help protect you against incarceration.
Probation Violation Defense
Building a defense against probation violation charges is a tricky process. Your criminal defense attorney in West Palm Beach must assess the circumstances of the violation and determine the best course of action. In cases of lesser offenses, rectifying the violation is enough to prevent more serious consequences. Paying delinquent fines and reparations can help to assuage the courts, keeping you out of jail.
For more serious violations like alleged criminal activity while on probation, an experienced criminal trial attorney in West Palm Beach is crucial. With the Law Office of Patrick McKamey, you gain over 20 years of legal knowledge, including bringing more than 300 criminal trials to verdict. As a former prosecutor, McKamey will use his experience to determine the best approach to your probation violation defense. He works directly with each client to ensure you are fully aware of all options and informed of all proceedings.