So, you’ve been arrested, convicted, and placed on probation to the Court. What now?
When you were sentenced and placed on a period of probation, you signed an Order setting forth certain responsibilities and obligations the Judge imposed. Failure to comply with ANY of those requirements can result in a warrant for your arrest for Violation of Probation (VOP).
Your probation agent monitors your compliance with the conditions. A few of the standard conditions of probation are to report to your agent as directed, to work or attend school, not to illegally possess, use or sell any controlled dangerous substances, etc. The Judge who sentenced you may also impose special conditions. Some of those include attending drug or alcohol treatment, to completely abstain from alcohol, to complete an Anger Management course, among others.
How do you avoid a VOP? First and foremost, keep in close contact with your probation agent. Report and call them as directed. Secondly, be sure to comply with EACH and EVERY condition. If you have trouble doing so, communication with your agent is imperative! Your agent can guide you to programs and services which will comply with your Probation Order.
Also, being arrested for ANYTHING, including serious traffic offenses (like DUI/DWI, Driving Without a License, etc.) will be a violation.
If you are accused of violating your probation, the time to reach out to an attorney is NOW. We can assist you with addressing the allegations before the judge at your VOP hearing and offer guidance to you beforehand. Don’t delay!