Probation is one possible consequence that you’ll face when you’re convicted of a crime. This enables you to remain in the community so you can work and live your life. You’ll have to be supervised closely by a probation officer, and you’ll be required to comply with the terms of the probation program.
It’s imperative that you don’t violate any of the terms of the program. When you violate them, your probation officer can issue a warning. Alternatively, they can file an official probation violation, which will send you back in front of the judge. There are several things that can happen if you’re found to have violated probation.
Probation violation hearings
A probation violation hearing is a bench trial, which means that you will have to make your case directly to the judge. There’s not a jury involved, so you’re at the mercy of the court. If the judge finds that you did violate probation, they have big discretion in what they do.
- Additional probation requirements: The judge may increase the amount of time you’re on probation or add more terms for you to comply with.
- Jail or prison: The court may find that your violation was serious enough to warrant time in jail or prison.
- Fines: Fines are possible for probation violations, and they may be combined with other penalties.
If you’re facing a probation violation, you need to ensure that you take steps to protect yourself. Think about what’s in your best interests and go from there. It may help if you work with someone who’s familiar with these cases so they can explain the options and how each might apply to you.