DON'T END UP VIOLATING YOUR PROBATION AND GETTING INTO TROUBLE

By websitebuilder
•
25 Jan, 2018

You likely have no intention of violating your probation and getting yourself into more legal trouble than you've already experienced. But without understanding at least the basics, violating probation could be easier than you might think. Here's how to make sure you don't end up with a probation violation charge.

DON'T MISS SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS

By missing just one scheduled appointment with your probation officer, you could find yourself in violation of your conditions and end up facing reprimands the negatively affect your quality of life as time goes on.

If an emergency arises, you get legitimately ill, or you can't get time off of work to see your probation officer on a predetermined date, you should be able to contact them and reschedule without violating your probation. But if you reschedule too often or simply don't show up, your probation officer may file a report and decide that they should take further action.

So make sure that all scheduled appointments with your probation officer are your top priority and that you contact your officer in advance whenever possible if you can't make an appointment for any reason whatsoever.

BE HONEST ABOUT DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE

If you are required to submit to regular drug and alcohol testing, it's in your best interest to be honest with your probation officer and let them know about any alcohol or drug use before a test is scheduled to take place. If you try to hide the fact that you've fallen off the wagon and you get caught, you will likely be in more trouble than if you were to fail your test.

If you are upfront about having a drink or falling back into bad drug habits, your probation officer will be more likely to give you another chance and reschedule your test for you. At the very least, the judge will consider your honesty if you end up failing a drug or alcohol test.

GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Getting involved in your community by volunteering your time at places like churches or charity organizations is not only a great way to show your probation officer that you're serious about staying out of trouble, but it will also help prove that you are ready and willing to be a contributing member of society.

And you'll get a lot out of volunteering your time too. Volunteers tend to have lower depression and mortality rates compared to those who don't volunteer — you can expect to enjoy a better quality of life as a community volunteer. And you'll be less likely to fall back into old habits that could jeopardize your probation.

STAY AWAY FROM OLD ASSOCIATES

It's important to stay away from old associates who were involved in the same crime you were convicted for to minimize the chance that you'll violate your probation.

And if an associate violates their probation or gets into trouble with the law again, you may get caught up in their troubles which could jeopardize your own probation. It's best to stay away from any associate who could pull you onto a path that ends with a violation of your probation.

WHEN IN DOUBT, CONSULT A LAWYER

If you are ever in doubt about things like whether a lifestyle change you're thinking of making or an action you plan to take will result in a violation of your probation, it is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney who can advise you on how to handle any sticky situation.

An experienced probation lawyer can also represent you if you do end up violating your probation, which should help minimize the possible repercussions you may face.

If you're concerned about violating your parole or you have already done so, contact us today to learn how we can assist you.