Probation Violations

Whether you’re a first-time offender who received probation in lieu of a jail sentence, or you were recently released from incarceration and are serving out the rest of your sentence on probation, violating this court order can result in serious charges and harsh penalties.
These penalties include more strict probation conditions and going back to jail or prison and serving the remainder of your sentence behind bars. In some cases, violators get additional months or even years added to their sentences.

What Are Common Probation Violation Circumstances?

Although you may not be behind bars, being sentenced to probation means that there are several strict conditions and behavioral guidelines that you must follow to avoid reoffending and putting yourself at risk of additional penalties or incarceration.

Some of the most common scenarios where people who were sentenced to probation violate these conditions and guidelines include:

Failing to meet with probation officer
When you’re sentenced to probation, you’re required to meet with your probation officer on a regular basis. Missing even one of these meetings without notice can put you at risk of being charged with probation violation.

Possessing a firearm
Anyone on probation for a felony is automatically prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm. Certain misdemeanor crimes also carry firearms restrictions. Being apprehended by police and having a firearm in your possession, inside your vehicle, or inside your home can be considered probation violation.

Testing positive for drugs
Regardless of your original crime, if you’re on probation, you will be required to undergo a series of drug and alcohol screenings. These drug screenings are court-ordered and mandatory. If you test positive for narcotics while on probation, you may be at-risk of being ordered back to jail or prison.

Traveling out of state
Being on probation means that you must remain within a relatively small radius of your home and probation officer’s location. That means leaving the state, county, or city may be prohibited. In addition, meeting or associating with certain people who have known criminal backgrounds—even if it doesn’t involve leaving your local area—may also be off-limits.

On Probation? Contact Eileen Parrish to Protect Your Rights

The penalties for probation violation can vary significantly from one person to another and from case to case. Having an experience Nashville probation violation attorney on your side can help minimize the severity of your violation and may reduce the chances that you’ll have to serve the rest of your sentence behind bars.

Don’t wait to get the help you need if you’re being charged with probation violation.