Violation of Probation or VOP Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Probation may be imposed on either a misdemeanor or felony offense. Probation is a sentence which may be imposed by a court in lieu of incarceration. A criminal who is “on probation” has been convicted of a crime but has served only part of the sentence in jail, or has not served time at all. In most jurisdictions, probation is a sentencing option for misdemeanors and many felonies (these are commonly called “probationable” offenses), but not for higher-order felonies, such as capital crimes, forcible rape, and many others.
An offender on probation is ordered to follow certain conditions set forth by the court, under the supervision of a probation officer. He or she is ordinarily required to refrain from subsequent possession of firearms, and may be ordered to remain employed, abide to a curfew, live at a directed place, obey the orders of the probation officer, or not leave the jurisdiction. The probationer may be ordered as well to refrain from contact with the victims (such as a former partner in a domestic violence case), with potential victims of similar crimes (such as minors, if the instant offense involves child sexual abuse), or with known criminals, particularly co-defendants. The offender on probation may be fitted with an electronic tag, which signals her or his whereabouts to officials, and it is very common for offenders to be ordered to submit to alcohol/drug testing or to participate in alcohol/drug or psychological treatment, or to perform community service work.
Any time a probationer is alleged to have violated one or more terms or conditions, their probation officer may submit an affidavit of violation of probation to the court, which will then issue a warrant. Michael D. Weinstein, P.A. is a violation of probation lawyer who has successfully resolved thousands of probation matters.
What to Do If You Are in Violation of Probation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
If you are in violation of probation, you may face a range of consequences, depending on the seriousness of your violation. If your violation of probation is found to be serious, you may have to go to court. Violating probation is considered a criminal offense in itself. It can lead to jail time, additional probation time, and other consequences. If you are facing a violation of probation hearing, you may want to contact a VOP attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to assist you. Michael D. Weinstein, P.A. are violation of probation lawyers in Fort Lauderdale who can help.
Violating probation can take many forms. For instance, if you were ordered to perform community service and failed to do so, you could face additional charges or penalties. You must also regularly report to your probation officer. Failing to do so can put you in violation of probation. If you were ordered to pay fines or restitution payments and fail to do so, you could face additional penalties. In some cases, individuals are required to keep a job, or are ordered to stay away from a person if there is a restraining order.
However, the VOP lawyers at Michael D. Weinstein in Fort Lauderdale, Florida understand that individuals sometimes face many barriers to meeting the conditions of probation. For instance, if you have children, or if you fall ill, you may miss some community service sessions. If your hours were cut at work, you could have difficulty paying fines. Sometimes employers cut jobs due to no fault of the person serving probation. If you are facing these challenges, a violation of probation lawyer may be able to help you, especially if you are being required to attend a hearing. Our Fort Lauderdale, Florida VOP attorney can help you.
Consequences of Violating Probation
The consequences of violating probation will depend on the degree to which probation was violated. In many cases, individuals are issued a warning. However, if you were found in possession of drugs, or if you committed another crime during probation, you could face serious consequences. If this is the case, you need the violation of probation lawyers of Michael D. Weinstein, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The firm can evaluate your case, look at your compliance, and help determine the best course forward.
In some cases, individuals could face revocation of probation privileges, especially if they are in repeated violation of probation lawyer Fort Lauderdale, FL. When you are facing violation of probation charges, your freedom may be on the line. Contact the Fort Lauderdale, Florida VOP lawyer at Michael D. Weinstein, P.A. today to protect your rights.