If you’ve been convicted of a crime in Virginia, you may have been given probation as a punishment. Often granted in lieu of jail time, probation carries along with it certain responsibilities. These responsibilities may include the completion of community service, regular meetings with a parole officer, and getting permission before traveling or taking another job, along with any specific terms that come along with your specific offense, such as requiring random drug tests.
Probation Violation Is Serious
Although probation is a lenient punishment, it also means that is you are charged with another crime during your period of probation, there may be much stiffer penalties involved, because you are in violation of your parole. Many people do not seem to realize the seriousness of this problem, because the most common probation violation is simply missing a meeting with your parole officer.
How your case will be treated is almost solely up to your parole officer. If your offense is slight or you have no previous violations, your probation offices may let you off with a warning. However, for more serious, or repeat offenses, the probation office may decide to have a judge decide your sentence in court. The probation officer has total discretion in your case.
Why A Lawyer Is Needed
However, if the probation officer elects to have the courts decide, he must prove that you have actually violated your probation. That is why we recommend you retain a lawyer for such matters. If you are proven to have broken your parole, you may have it revoked and wind up in jail. A seemingly minor matter can have serious consequences.
Free Probation Violation Consultation
At Faraji Rosenthall Law Offices, we offer free consultations to all new clients. If you would like to discuss your case with us, please give us a call to set up your Free Probation Violation Consultation. We will help you get the best outcome possible. Call us now: 703-934-0101
