If you are convicted of a crime, part of your sentence may involve probation. Probation refers to a period of time where you are under supervision and required to exercise good behavior. Typically, probation is ordered in place of incarceration time.
There are a number of requirements that a person who is placed on probation must follow. Below, read more about common probation terms and how probation may be violated, and what will happen if you violate your probation in Massachusetts–
Common Ways that Probation Is Violated
Probation may be violated in a number of ways. Some of the most common types of probation violations include:
- Failing to attend court-ordered therapy, counseling, etc.;
- Failing to report to your probation officer;
- Using drugs;
- Committing a crime;
- Failing to pay court-ordered fines or restitution;
- Traveling to certain places or leaving the state without permission; or
- Failing to appear before the court as required.
If you violate your probation, the consequences can be serious.
Consequences of Violating Your Probation
If you violate the terms of your probation and your probation officer discovers this breach, they are required under law to report the violation. You may:
- Have a warrant for your arrest issued;
- Be ordered to appear before a judge to redetermine the terms of your probation; or
- Have your probationary period revoked.
Depending upon the type of crime for which you were originally convicted, and the probation violation, you may have stricter probationary terms enacted, be required to pay a hefty fine, or in the worst of cases, you may even be ordered by the court to serve the remainder of your probationary period in prison.
Why You Should Work with an Attorney
Violating your probation is a serious offense, and can have far-reaching consequences. It is important to work with a legal professional who can protect your rights under the law, including your right to be informed of the alleged probationary violations and charges against you, to defend yourself against allegations in court, and to collect evidence to defend yourself. Not only can an attorney help you protect yourself in regards to your legal rights, but an attorney can also build your case and help you to prove that you did not, in fact, violate your probation. An attorney can also help you to understand the consequences a probation violation, and probation violation proceedings.
Contact Us Today
At The Law Offices of Paul R. Moraski, we know that understanding the terms of your probation can be difficult to do, and that sticking to those terms can be challenging. If you are accused of violating your probation, call our law offices today for free information about how we can help you protect yourself. The worst thing that can happen is your probation being revoked, and an incarceration period being implemented instead. We want to help you secure the best outcome possible. Please reach Paul today on his cell at 978-397-0011.