How to Avoid Violating Your Probation

A probation violation is a legal offense that happens when you break the terms or conditions of your probation. There are many different ways to violate your probation, and it can be pretty easy to if you don’t know the certain situations or circumstances you should avoid. Here are some common ways your probation can be violated, and what you can do if you’ve been accused of violation:

Examples of Probation Violation

Some common ways that you could violate your probation are:

• Not showing up for your scheduled court appearance
• Not reporting to your probation officer
• Not paying your fines
• Visiting certain places or going out of town
• Possessing or selling illegal drugs
• Committing illegal crimes and/or getting arrested

What Happens If I Violate My Probation?

Usually you will receive a warning from your probation officer for your first violation. If you violate your probation again, your probation officer will ask you to appear in court for a hearing. Your probation officer can request the type and severity of your penalty, which will also depend on how you violated your probation (possessing or selling drugs will result in a harsher sentence, for example). During your hearing, a sentencing judge will consider the different factors involved in your violation, and will then decide your punishment. If you are found guilty, the court can extend your probation, order jail time, or dismiss your probation altogether and replace it with time in prison.

If you or someone you know has been found in violation, it’s important to know that you do have legal rights in court, and hence you should be guaranteed due process under the law. Contact the Goolsby Law Firm in Dallas to discuss your probation violation so we can give you the representation in court that you deserve.