Our defense attorney in Fort Collins has worked with a number of clients who have been able to avoid jail time with probation. If you’ve run into trouble with the law, you may end up serving probation in lieu of jail time, especially if you are a first-time offender. Probation means you’ll be released from police custody and won’t have to stay in jail. It does mean, however, that you’ll need to meet and comply with the conditions of your probation. Those conditions are set by a judge. The conditions of your probation can include almost anything, though the most common items are:
- Checking in with your probation officer at set times.
- Having blood or urine tests done to ensure you aren’t using drugs or alcohol.
- Obeying all laws, including traffic laws.
- Paying your court fees.
- Staying away from certain people or places.
So what happens if you don’t obey these rules? What if you break a minor law such as jaywalking? Even minor violations can result in big trouble for anyone on probation.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU VIOLATE PROBATION
First of all, don’t panic. Violating your probation doesn’t necessarily mean you are doomed to jail. There are a number of things that could happen.
YOU MAY GET A WARNING FROM YOUR PROBATION OFFICER.
If your probation officer feels the violation was minor enough, you may just get a warning. You won’t normally get too many warnings, though, before the consequences become more serious.
YOU MAY HAVE TO SERVE ADDITIONAL PROBATIONARY TIME OR COMMUNITY SERVICE.
Your probation officer has the power to extend your probation time. They may also decide that you need to do some community service to pay back your community for your crimes.
YOU MAY HAVE TO PAY ADDITIONAL FINES.
You could be required to pay more fines, including victim restitution and class fees that are required by your probation officer.
YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND COUNSELING.
Counseling could include one-on-one sessions, group therapy, or rehabilitation depending on your probation violations.
THERE COULD BE MORE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES, TOO
If the violation is deemed to be more serious, you could be facing some more serious consequences including a revocation of probation hearing. During this hearing, evidence of your probation violation will be presented to the courts. If the judge decides to, they can cancel your probation and send you to jail to serve your original sentence. You have a right to defend yourself in a probation revocation hearing, though, and that’s where a good defense attorney from Fort Collins can help.
CONTACT US IF YOU VIOLATED YOUR PROBATION
If you are concerned that your violation could result in the revocation of your probation, get in touch with our office right away. We can help you built a strong defense and mitigate the damage that’s been done to your sentence. We may be able to help you avoid jail time along with other penalties. You can reach our team by calling us at (970) 238-7900 or by filling out the contacting form on our website. We offer free consultations!
