Getting into trouble with the law can lead to dire consequences.
Apart from losing your personal and professional reputation, you also risk facing misdemeanor or felony charges that can result in jail or prison time. Once convicted, the court can release you from prison to complete your sentence under the supervision of an assigned probation officer.
However, if you violate your probation conditions, Georgia courts may extend your probation period or order you to serve your remaining probation time in jail or prison.
If you find yourself in this situation, seeking the help of an experienced and dedicated Atlanta probation violation lawyer is crucial. At the SHElaw firm®, our legal team is equipped with the knowledge to fight for you and protect your rights.
What is Probation?
Ordered by the court system, Probation is an alternative to jail time that’s granted to first-time offenders or individuals facing misdemeanor charges.
Probation may include various conditions or requirements since courts handle each case individually. Conditions or requirements may include:
- Fines
- Counseling
- Community service
- Restitution
- Restriction on weapons
- Restrictions on drugs and alcohol
- Mandatory drug and alcohol testing
- Regularly reporting to a probation officer
While probation in Atlanta is an alternative to jail time, it comes with tough conditions that offenders must adhere to. Violating these conditions can result in serious consequences, including incarceration.
Courts treat probation violations seriously in Atlanta and throughout Georgia, and understanding the consequences is important for individuals on probation.
What Are the Types of Probation Violations?
There are several ways you can violate your probation in Georgia, including:
Substantive Violations
Substantive violations happens when you commit a criminal act leading to an arrest while on probation. Even if you abide by probation conditions, a misdemeanor offense during probation is considered a violation.
Special Condition Violations
This implies that you didn’t fulfill a specific requirement or condition of your probation. Issues may include not maintaining suitable employment, abstaining from alcohol, or reaching out to someone under the protection of a restraining order.
Failure to meet such requirements may amount to a probation violation.
Technical Violations
Such violations happen when you don’t meet the technical conditions of your probation and may include:
- Leaving the state of Georgia or the United States
- Associating with criminals
- Failing to pay restitution or fines
- Testing positive for drugs
- Dismissing regular check-ins with your probation officer
- Failing to attend required programs
If you face any of the above violations, it’s important to contact an Atlanta probation violation officer as soon as possible to understand your legal options.
What Happens if I Violate Probation?
If your probation officer suspects you have violated your probation, they may file a report with the court, which could lead to a hearing.
During the probation violation hearing, the court will rule whether you violated your probation and may decide to impose additional conditions, modify your probation terms, or revoke probation.
Some of the penalties you risk facing after violating your probation include:
- Additional probation time
- Jail time
- More fines
- Loss of probation
- Additional special conditions, such as community service or counseling
It’s important to note that the penalties for the three types of violations aren’t the same. Each violation carries a different maximum sentence. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature and frequency of probation violations and the court’s discretion.
How Can a Lawyer Help if I Violate My Probation?
At the SHElaw firm®, our experienced probation violation attorneys can help with your case in several ways, including:
- Representing you during hearings, presenting a strong defense, and arguing against probation revocation.
- Negotiating with state prosecution for alternate sentences, such as rehabilitation programs, community service, or increased supervision, rather than jail time.
- Gathering evidence and witnesses to contest the alleged violations in court and prove your innocence.
- Explaining the probation violation process, including the potential consequences for a violation.
- Protecting your rights and interests as they fight for a fair outcome in Georgia courts.
If you are facing a probation violation in Georgia, seek legal representation immediately. Our Atlanta criminal defense lawyers are ready to present your side of the story to the court and fight to beat any alleged violation charges.
Building a Defense for Your Georgia Probation Violation
If you have been accused of violating your probation conditions in Atlanta, GA, and aren’t sure who to turn to, rest assured that the probation violation attorneys at SHElaw firm® will provide you with the defense you need to challenge such charges.
Building a probation violation defense is challenging, and the situation may be complex. That’s why you need an experienced lawyer to help you eliminate or minimize the potential consequences you may face.
Contact us today or call us today at 470-378-1162 for aggressive criminal defense in Georgia with proven results. We are ready to offer you the quality defense you need for your situation.
