Probation Violations In Florida

If you are charged with a crime in Pinellas County and the evidence is firmly stacked against you, our Seminole criminal defense attorney may be able to negotiate probation to help you avoid a potentially lengthy jail sentence. Probation is a type of legal supervision and may be granted in both misdemeanor and felony cases. Once approved for probation, it is important to comply with all of the terms set down by the court as probation violations in Florida carry serious penalties.

When Probation Is An Option In Your Criminal Case

Probation offers certain types of criminal offenders a chance to avoid jail time if convicted of a crime. It is common in misdemeanor criminal cases, such as disorderly conduct, domestic violence, driving with a suspended license, vandalism, and shoplifting or other petit theft offenses. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office monitors people on probation in these and other criminal matters, making sure they comply with any requirements set forth by the court. These may include any of the following:

• Payment of fines, court costs, and other fees;
• Community service requirements;
• Drug and alcohol evaluations and testing;
• Anger management counseling;
• Victim impact classes.

You can also be placed on probation for felony offenses, such as assault, burglary, and drug or weapons offenses. Felony probation programs in Florida can take a variety of forms and generally involve more intensive monitoring. You could be placed on house arrest or be required to have your movements monitored via a GPS tracking device. Whether it involves misdemeanor or felony offenses, is important to understand that probation is considered a privilege not a right. Any violation of the terms can result in serious penalties.

Common Types of Probation Violations

Conditions of your probation are dictated by the judge in your case in accordance with the Florida Statutes. Any type of conscious and willful violation could result in your immediate arrest and having your probation revoked. The judge can enforce any criminal penalties that originally applied in your case, including a mandatory minimum jail sentence. Common types of probation violations in Florida include:

• Testing positive for drugs in your system;
• Not completing required alcohol and drug or other programs;
• Not paying fines and other financial obligations owed to the court;
• Not routinely checking in with the court or your probation officer;
• Being convicted for another crime or otherwise engaging in criminal activity while on probation.

Being charged with a criminal offense is generally not enough to have your probation revoked nor is missing one or two classes, provided you had a valid reason for your absence. A violation involves being aware of your behavior, the fact that it violates the terms of your probation, and willfully engaging in it anyway.

Let Us Help You Today

If you have questions regarding your eligibility for probation or concerns about potential violations, reach out and contact Reep Coleman & Stubbendorff to request a confidential consultation today As experienced Pinellas criminal defense attorneys, we can take the swift legal actions needed to ensure your rights are protected.