a bailiff holds a defendant's arm as the judge reads him the verdict in courtIf you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, it’s likely that you have been placed on probation. This probation has several rules that you must follow, and if you violate these rules, severe consequences will follow. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of probation violation, consequences of violating your probation, and why you need a probation attorney.

Probation Violation Categories

A probation violation falls within three categories: technical, special condition, and substantive violation. Let’s look at what each entail and how you can avoid this violation:

Technical Violation– Most probations have regulations that you must follow such as paying fines or restitution, reporting to the probation officer, and staying within a certain jurisdiction. If you fail to meet any of these requirements, you are violating your probation.

Special Condition Violation – Beyond technical violations, a judge can appoint special conditions to be placed on your probation regulations. For example, you may have to maintain employment or stay away from a specific person (restraining order).

Substantive Violation – If you’re on probation, it’s because a judge found you guilty of breaking a certain law. If you break another law when you’re on probation, this is considered a substantive violation and serious consequences will follow.

Probation Violation Consequences

A probation violation will almost always result in more severe consequences, unless you have a probation attorney on your side to fight your case. If you violate your probation, you may:

  • Be arrested
  • Charged fines or community service time
  • Have an extension placed on your probation
  • Have your probation revoked
  • Required to have counseling

A judge will determine what consequences will be given due to the type of violation that occurred. To protect yourself and your future, we highly recommend hiring a probation violation attorney who can fight your case.

Probation Violation Attorneys

There are many people who represent themselves in court, and it rarely goes in their favor. This is because it’s difficult for someone who’s being charged with violating their probation to present their case in an objective way.

Gregory Bushway has extensive experience and the knowledge necessary to present difficult cases before a judge and help his clients through this stressful time. If you’ve been charged with violating your probation, contact our team right away.