Sometimes, individuals who are convicted of crimes at the misdemeanor level can be sentenced to serve their time outside of jail and instead be put on probation. Even some felony offenses may qualify for probation. In general, probation and staying out of jail is usually the preferred way to serve a sentence for a crime. There are specific guidelines and terms that will come with a probation sentence in California, and a violation of such specifications means that a court can easily end probation and send a person to jail to serve the rest of their time.
It is not just losing your probation that can come as a result of a violation of its terms; more time may be added to your sentence. Following the direction of your probation is absolutely necessary to get through your sentence in the most efficient and straightforward way possible. Yet, if you do find yourself having difficulties following the terms of your California probation agreement, and you violate them, David M. Boertje can review your case. If there is a way to argue that you should stay out of jail and remain on probation with no extra time added, David M. Boertje will find it.
What Types of Acts are Considered Violations of Probation in California?
There are so many requirements that a person who is serving their time on probation has to manage, that a violation may come about without difficulty. Some of the actions that a person may do which would be considered probation infractions include:
- Failure to appear at court on the predetermined date that was scheduled.
- Not reporting as required to your probation officer.
- Committing another crime while on probation and being arrested for it.
- Not obtaining approval to leave California and doing so anyway even for a small amount of time.
- Not paying fines or restitution.
- Testing positive for drugs or alcohol.
- Being fired from your job.
- Getting caught hanging out with or connecting with others who have a criminal history.
Sometimes, when you make decisions or take actions that do not comply with your probation terms, your probation officer may or may not report the situation because this individual has the discretion to make a determination of how serious the violation is. There are times when your probation officer may simply give you a warning, but other times, you might not be so lucky.
Speak to a San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you believe that you may have done something that contradicted your probation, contact the Law Offices of David M. Boertje immediately. It is important to have San Diego criminal legal counsel if you have to go to court because your violations were reported by your probation officer. Your San Diego criminal defense lawyer can help you prepare for your hearing, inform you about what to expect, and then get to work on an argument that persuades the judge to be lenient on you. To learn more about what to do after a California probation violation, call the Law Offices of David M. Boertje to set up a free consultation at (619) 229-1870 for the San Diego office or (760) 476-0901 for the Carlsbad location.