Parole and Probation Violations
A parole or probation violation may not seem like a big deal, but it can result in you losing your freedom. If you are accused of a probation or parole violation, you could find yourself facing fines, additional probation conditions, an extension or complete revocation of your probation, and further jail time. Without a good criminal defense lawyer, you will be just another face in the crowd. The Don Turner Legal Team will do whatever it takes to keep you out of jail.
We will take your time to look over the details of your criminal case and design a winning strategy. Don Turner was a probation officer for many years and knows the system. Our legal team does not believe in a "one size fits all" approach to law, and we will tailor our methods to your specific parole or probation violation case.
If you have been charged with violating your probation or parole, then you need to speak with one of our criminal defense attorneys as soon as possible. We have years of experience representing clients in your situation and can help you get the defense you need. Contact our Atlanta, GA law office today and find out how the Don Turner Legal Team can help you.
What Would Trigger a Parole or Probation Violation?There are many different ways a parole or probation violation occurs, but the most common ones are:
- Failing a drug test
- Not completing community service
- Not showing up for court
- Not paying fines
- Not showing up for your appointment with the Parole or Probation Officer
- Going outside the boundaries of a monitoring device or anklet bracelet
- Not notifying the court when you move
- Not getting or keeping a steady job
The above are technical or special condition violations, but you may also be accused of a substantive violation of your parole or probation. This means that you were charged with another criminal matter while you were serving probation.
What are the Penalties for Violating Parole or Probation?If the court finds you guilty of a parole violation, they are allowed to impose various penalties. The nature of these penalties depend on what conditions of your parole or probation that you violated and if you have any previous violations on your record.
For example, your parole may be revoked as a result of a parole violation, forcing you to return to prison and serve the remainder of your original sentence. If you committed a crime while you were out on parole, you will be prosecuted for the new offense in addition to your parole violation. Your parole may be extended instead, although it cannot be extended beyond the term of your original sentence. In some cases, you may also be fined as a result of a parole violation.
The consequences of violating probation are determined by many factors. When you violate probation, you may be required to attend a court hearing to determine whether a violation happened and to decide punishment. Like a parole violation, many factors can increase the severity of your penalties, including your actions and your previous criminal record. Consequences may include more probation time, a jail sentence, additional community service, counseling, and special conditions, and large fines.
What Does the State Need to Prove I Violated Parole?The State does not have to prove that you violated parole "beyond a reasonable doubt". They only need to prove their case "by a preponderance of the evidence”. This means that they found it more likely than not that you did violate probation or parole in the way you were charged.
This standard makes it relatively easy for the state to prove their case if you are accused of violating your probation or parole. This is why you need the assistance of an expert criminal defense attorney to argue your side of the case.