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What Is a Violation of Probation?

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Closeup of a man wearing a house arrest bracelet on ankle

If you or a loved one have been accused of violating probation you may be able to get the matter resolved without more jail time. A violation of probation occurs when a probationer willfully and substantially fails to comply with the terms and conditions of his or her probation.

Has the Coronavirus and the Courthouse Shutdown Changed the Playing Field?

Florida’s county jails face potential overcrowding due to the coronavirus pandemic. There is no way to know how long the coronavirus pandemic is going to last. If you or a loved one have been accused of violating probation you could be spending several extra months in jail in a very unsafe environment.

Jury selection and trials have been suspended due to the coronavirus and almost all other court proceedings are being conducted remotely if possible.

Yes, the coronavirus and the courthouse shutdown has changed the playing field. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the jail crowding situation, an emergency motion may be filed requesting a violation of probation hearing within a reasonable amount of time or request a bond in non-violent cases. Also, a motion may be filed requesting release in cases where a defendant’s health issues put him at a higher risk of serious illness or death due to the coronavirus.

Why Should I Contact a Violation of Probation Lawyer?

The majority of probation violations originate from a few common factual scenarios. These violations include:

  • New Criminal Offenses
  • Failed Drug Tests
  • Failure to Meet Financial Obligations
  • Failures to Complete Treatment Programs
  • Missed Appointments

The State must prove that you committed a violation that was both willful and substantial. For example, a violation must be a serious violation like a new criminal offense, a failed drug test, failure to meet financial obligations, failure to complete court-ordered programs, and missed appointments. Also, when you make a reasonable effort to comply with a condition of probation, a violation cannot be willful.

New Criminal Offense Violation – The State must present direct evidence linking you to the commission of a new criminal offense. An arrest alone is not an adequate basis for finding a violation of probation. For example, if you are a passenger in a car that gets stopped for a traffic violation and drugs are later found in the vehicle, a judge should not violate your probation if there is no evidence that you knew that the drugs were there.

Failed Drug Test – The State has the burden of proving that an illegal drug was present in your body. A violation cannot be based solely on a probation officer’s testimony regarding laboratory results. For example, if a drug test is not done correctly, or if the probation officer cannot show the judge a valid lab report, the judge should not violate your probation.

Failure to Meet Financial Obligations – Non-payment of court costs, restitution, costs of supervision, fines, costs of drug testing, and other fees is another common basis for violating probation. Before you can be imprisoned for failure to pay there must be a determination that you have the ability to pay and that you have willfully refused to do so. For example, if you do not have a job or any income you do not have the ability to pay. A judge should not violate your probation because you did not pay if you do not have the money and cannot pay.

Failure to Complete Treatment Programs – When the state tries to revoke your probation because of failure to successfully complete a rehabilitation program, some evidence must be submitted to show that you were in some manner responsible for the failure. For example, as long as you attend the program and follow rules, the judge should not violate your probation because you did not complete the program through no fault of your own.

Missed Appointments – A single missed appointment with a probation officer, where a valid explanation is offered, is insufficient to demonstrate willful and substantial noncompliance with probation. For example, if you missed an appointment because of a storm, or if you are late because of a bad traffic accident on the interstate, the judge should not violate your probation because the violation is not willful or substantial.

Should I Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you or a loved one are on probation and the State files an affidavit of violation against you, it is important that you discuss your situation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer to learn about your rights and options. If you or a loved one have been arrested for a violation of probation it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. The laws governing violation of probation in Florida are complex. If you have been accused of a violation of probation in the Tampa Bay area, you may need the assistance of an attorney to contest the affidavit, minimize potential penalties and get a favorable resolution. The attorneys at Fernandez have experience defending violations of probation and will work vigorously to protect your rights, and in many cases, may be able to prevent a violation of probation or resolve the matter without incarceration.

Why Fernandez & ?

The criminal defense attorneys at Fernandez & have the state and federal experience necessary to deal with and resolve a violation of probation allegations.

The attorneys at Fernandez & are bilingual and will provide a free and confidential consultation so that you can discuss your case. Our firm has represented clients in this situation. Many of these proceedings have resulted in favorable resolutions. The criminal defense attorneys at Fernandez & can help you understand all of your options.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for a violation of probation in the Tampa Bay area and needs help, Fernandez & will guide you through the process. Fernandez & can assist you in getting the outcome you deserve. Violation of probation cases can be complex. Fernandez & may be able to help you find a solution.

Criminal defense attorney Daniel J. Fernandez has experience with violation of probation allegations and will work vigorously to get your situation resolved favorably. Attorney Daniel J. Fernandez can help guide you through the process.

If you or a loved one need legal assistance with a probation violation call Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Daniel J. Fernandez of Fernandez & at 813-229-5353.

Daniel J. Fernandez

Daniel J. Fernandez

Daniel J. Fernandez defends individuals charged with a misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses throughout the Tampa Bay area and the State of Florida. With more than 30 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney and hundreds of jury trials, Daniel earned tremendous accolades from judges, other lawyers, defendants, and even jurors. Daniel started his legal career as a state prosecutor and became the chief of the Narcotics division before opening his own law practice in 1985.

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