West Palm Beach Probation Violations Lawyer
Just because you are convicted of, or plead guilty to, a crime, that does not necessarily mean you will go to jail. To the contrary, most criminal convictions are resolved by placing the defendant on some form of probation. Indeed, after a defendant is sentenced to prison, they are still typically required to serve a term of probation after their release.
Probation is not the same thing as freedom. There are a number of rules that a person is required to strictly follow. Even a small, technical violation can lead a court to revoke or modify the terms of probation. So if you have received such a violation and need advice on what to do from a qualified West Palm Beach probation violations lawyer, the Law Office of Scott N. Richardson, P.A. is here to help.
What Happens When Someone Violates Their Florida Probation?
There are actually several different types of probation in Florida. The standard form of probation involves reporting to a probation officer on a regular basis. But there is also “administrative probation,” which is somewhat more lenient and does not require any regular reporting. Florida also has special forms of probation for drug offenders and sex offenders. There is also a form of house arrest known as “community control.”
Regardless of the type of probation involved, it is up to the sentencing court to decide the specific terms and conditions that a defendant must follow. Some of these conditions are easy enough to understand. For example, a person on probation cannot violate any additional laws. They must report to their probation officer when required, and even allow their probation officer to visit them in their homes. Many people on probation are required to stay within a designated area, meaning they cannot travel out of state without court permission. If the probationer’s crime involved a victim, the probationer can be required to pay restitution as a condition of probation.
If you are on probation and your probation officer (or another law enforcement officer) believes that you have violated any of the conditions imposed by the court, you can be immediately arrested without a warrant and brought before the court. The judge can then decide to modify, revoke, or reinstate your probation. In some cases you may be subject to a stricter form of probation, such as community control, or sent to jail to serve your original sentence.
Contact the Law Office of Scott N. Richardson Today
Many people violate their probation without even realizing it. But even an honest mistake can lead to problems with your probation officer or the court. So it is in your best interest to work with a skilled West Palm Beach probation violations lawyer who can walk you through the process and provide you with independent representation before the court. If you have additional questions or concerns and need to speak with an attorney right now, contact the Law Office of Scott N. Richardson, P.A.
