What Happens When You Violate Your Probation Terms?
Being on probation is not something you should take lightly. Violating your probation can happen in many ways, which basically involves getting yourself involved in any kind of criminal activity. This also includes not showing up to your court dates, which you agree to when you are on probation. If you are facing charges for violating your probation terms, you need to contact a lawyer to protect your rights and possibly lessen charges for the violation.
Get a Lawyer
If you don't have one already, be sure that you hire a lawyer if you are being charged with a violation of your probation terms. Many times, after violating your terms, you face more severe consequences that your lawyer can hopefully help lessen for you. Be aware that you can meet with a lawyer for a free consultation about your case to determine whether or not they can even help you avoid a serious consequence you might be facing from your violation.
Consequences
There are many different types of consequences you could face for violating your probation. For a first time offense, you may be lucky to get off with a warning, especially if the violation was light. However, in other cases, it may be serious enough that a court hearing is put in place for a judge to determine the consequence you will face for the violation, which is a consequence in itself since going to court is never fun. In some cases, you may be ordered a longer probation period, community service, jail time, fees, and more. You will want your lawyer there to help defend your rights and especially to avoid potential jail time and high fees. Be sure that you talk to your lawyer beforehand about what possible consequences you are facing in your particular situation.
New Probation Terms
Chances are, you are facing new probation terms once you have violated and faced other consequences. This will be under stricter terms to ensure that you do not violate the probation again. Be sure that you talk with your lawyer about what these new terms are and what would be considered a violation. In some situations, people violate their terms simply because of misunderstandings of the probation terms.
When you know what could happen when you violate your probation terms, you can see why it's important to avoid it at all costs. However, if it does happen, then you know the importance of hiring a lawyer to avoid some serious consequences for it. For more information, contact a law firm in your area, such as Heath Wilding.
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