Charged With Violating Probation? Seek Skilled Legal Help Right Away.
Probation is an alternative to incarceration and is often seen by the courts as a form of leniency. While on probation, you must be on your best behavior. Any violation of the probation terms will likely result in harsh penalties, such as spending time in jail or prison.
At DeBruin Law, PLLC, we understand that probation violations are not always intentional. Let our Lansing criminal defense attorneys tell your side of the story so that you can stay out of custody. Call 517-731-0353 today to see how we may be able to get your probation violation dismissed in court.
Consequences Of Violating Probation
An individual’s probation status can be revoked immediately if they deviate from the court’s requirements. Common violations include, but are not limited to:
- Missing or failing a drug test
- Committing another crime
- Not complying with the judge’s orders (traveling to a restricted area, etc.)
- Not paying court fines
- Trying to flee the area
- Skipping meetings with your probation officer
- Missing assigned community service or treatment classes
Even the smallest violation can lead to probation being revoked. If this happens, the probationer will receive a written explanation of their violation. From there, they will likely be subject to additional penalties. The court may only issue a warning if the violation was minor. However, many violations can lead to incarceration.
Defending You Against Violation-Related Charges
In many situations, a probation violation should not be blamed on the defendant. Certain drug tests, for example, can result in false positives. Showing that test results were faulty can lead to your violation being thrown out. It may also be possible that you missed a drug test or an appointment with your probation officer because of unforeseeable circumstances. A medical emergency or an accident may have been the cause of the accused violation.
If proving that the violation was due to an emergency is not possible, another strategy might be more effective. One option may be to convince the judge that probation is still the best punishment. In many criminal cases, incarceration has no positive impact on the defendant. Probation may still be the best way for someone convicted of a crime to reflect on their choices and turn their life around.
Tell Us Your Side Of The Story In A Free Consultation
At DeBruin Law, PLLC, we understand how devastating a probation violation charge can be. It can feel like you are being punished harshly for a minor offense that was not your fault. You may be worried about the penalties that could follow, such as having your probation revoked or spending time behind bars. Our lawyers are well-versed in cases involving probation violations. With our help, you may be able to maintain your probation status and avoid criminal consequences.
To discuss your options for free, call us at 517-731-0353 or fill out our online contact form.