Probation Violations

If you have been placed on probation, you must follow the requirements of your probation order, or you will be found to be in violation of probation.  These requirements are often strict and can be easy to violate if you are not careful.  However, the consequences for violating the terms of a probation order are severe.  In many cases, people arrested for a probation violation are held without bond. 

Probation violations generally fall into one of two categories:

Technical Violations

Technical probation violations include general violations of the probation requirements.  The most common is failing to report to the probation officer as scheduled.  Generally, there are no excuses for a missed meeting except when there is an emergency. 

Other technical violations include failure to notify your probation officer if you are moving, failure to file a monthly report, and failing or testing positive in a urinalysis or other drug test. 

Substantive Violations

One of the conditions of probation is not committing any other crime while you are on probation.  A substantive violation involves the commission of a crime while you are on probation for a previous crime. 

Consequences of Probation Violations

In addition to being held without bond, the maximum available penalty for a probation violation is the same as for the underlying charge for which you were originally given probation.  In other words, if you could have been sent to jail for one year instead of getting probation, your punishment for violating the probation is jail time of up to one year. 

Typically, the judge will consider several factors including the evidence law enforcement can present regarding the violation, the nature of the violation itself, and the nature of the original underlying criminal cause to determine what the punishment should be in a particular case.

Seek Experienced Legal Representation Immediately

If the authorities have notified you that you have violated your probation, if is important that you contact an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible.  We can help you avoid the maximum punishments, and in many cases, we can clear up the violation and get the original conditions of your probation reinstated.  Contact the Law Office of Eduardo Meire, P.A. today so that we can begin working on your defense immediately.