Violation of probation

February 16, 2017

Probation Violation Warrant

When a probation agent believes that a probation violation occurs, sometimes an arrest warrant is issued by the Judge to address the situation. On other occasions, the probationer receives notice in the mail to appear on a particular date to address the probation violation. It is also not uncommon for the probationer to be brought before the Judge when the probationer appears for their regular report date. How the situation is addressed depends on the Court and the nature of the alleged violation (for example, a Judge may feel more of an urgency to immediately address the situation of a DUI probationer who allegedly continues to consume alcohol because the Judge may believe the public is at risk). The Judge has the ability to set a bond, and bond conditions, when the probationer is arraigned on the probation violation. At the arraignment on the probation violation the probationer is advised in writing of the violation(s) that are pending. The probationer has the ability to retain counsel to address the probation violation, or request court appointed counsel if indigent (and if there is a chance that the probationer can be incarcerated).

It is in the probationer’s best interest to retain counsel for a probation violation for the following reasons:

The probationer often is not afforded counsel for arraignment purposes. Having a retained lawyer increases the opportunity for the probationer to obtain a reasonable bond;

April 4, 2016

I Violated My Probation for the Second Time, Now What?

by Hilf & Hilf, PLC

It happened again. You’ve violated your probation for a second time and jail time is looking very possible in your future.

Whether it was a failed drug test, not reporting to your probation officer or being arrested for a new offense, the judge will likely be much less lenient the second time around. So, what should you expect to happen?

According to Lawyers.com, here are some of the consequences that come with violating probation:

March 1, 2016

How Can a Probation Violation Affect Your Future?

by Hilf & Hilf, PLC

Are you facing accusations of probation violations? These allegations should not be taken lightly because this is a criminal charge with serious consequences including incarceration or probation extension. Hiring an experienced criminal defense or probation is critical to your case. Every individual has the right to challenge allegations made against them regarding probation violations. However, it’s important to act quickly.

In many states, those who are charged with crimes could receive probation instead of jail time depending on the nature of their crime. However, if these individuals violate the conditions of their probation, it could result in incarceration.

Probation Violation and Legal Consequences

December 31, 2015

Steps to Take After You are Accused of Violating Your Probation

by Hilf & Hilf, PLC

If you’ve been convicted of a crime, it’s natural to hope for a sentence of probation rather than jail time. After all, probation allows you to stay out of the harsh environment of a jail or prison, and you’ll still be able to live your live relatively normally as long as you stay within the guidelines of your probation. However, if you’ve been accused of violating your probation, you could be in for harsh consequences, including hefty fines, added conditions to probation, the loss of a status to keep the incarceration from a public record (if applicable), or even incarceration. It’s a serious situation, and you should know how to deal with it in a way that will protect your rights.

Contact Your Probation Officer

Your probation officer will have a tremendous amount of leeway when deciding how to respond to a potential probation violation. Make sure to contact them early, and have a detailed explanation for what happened. Don’t give excuses, but explain the events in a respectful, apologetic tone. Make sure to have supplemental material and proof to back up your account. If your officer is inclined to be a little bit lenient, you might get off with a warning. If the officer is intent on setting a court date, however, your options start to narrow down quite a bit.

November 10, 2012

Violation of Probation for Use of Drugs or Alcohol

by Hilf & Hilf, PLC

A very common violation of probation allegation in Michigan and elsewhere is for using or testing positive for drugs or alcohol while on probation. The punishment for drug or alcohol related violation of probation can include one or a combination of any of the following: no sanction; added conditions of probation such as increased drug/alcohol testing, drug treatment, AA/NA meeting attendance, community service, etc.; extending the term of probation; requiring Adult Treatment Court program participation (if the Court has an Adult Treatment Court program); incarceration of various lengths up to the maximum allowable sentence that can be imposed.

Judges differ in philosophy in terms of how they view a positive drug or alcohol test. Some Judges view a relapse, or relapses, as a part of recovery and may be willing to invest additional resources into the probationer to address the drug and/or alcohol problem. Other Judges have a no tolerance view of a positive drug or alcohol test, and want their reputation of strictness to deter a probationer, and others, from use. There are Judges that combine these philosophies and balance rehabilitation with punishment. A Court usually will eventually give up on a person who repeatedly violates their probation, and will usually choose to incarcerate the person.

There are circumstances in which a person will falsely test positive for drugs. A positive drug screen is often sent for additional analysis to confirm or negate the original test. Drug and alcohol testing is viewed as reliable by Courts, and it is often hard to overcome a positive test at a probation violation hearing. Reasons why someone might wrongfully test positive for drugs or alcohol include: the person tested positive for a valid prescription that he or she was taking; the person ingested a substance that could lead to a false positive such as poppy seeds, vanilla, or mouthwash; there was a human error regarding the testing procedures, etc. Any error in drug testing should be contested by an experienced criminal defense lawyer, such as Attorney Daniel Hilf.