{"id":352122,"date":"2023-09-11T15:27:40","date_gmt":"2023-09-11T20:27:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/probation-violation.html"},"modified":"2023-09-11T15:27:40","modified_gmt":"2023-09-11T20:27:40","slug":"probation-violation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/probation-violation.html","title":{"rendered":"Probation Violation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Probation Violation<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Joseph Bui, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Probation is often ordered for first-time offenders as well as those convicted of misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies. Probation aims to give low-risk offenders a chance to return to their jobs, address any underlying problems like substance abuse, and prove they don’t need a jail sentence to correct their behavior.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Courts have a choice of possible sentences for people convicted of crimes. Courts may order probation instead of a jail or prison sentence, depending on the nature of the criminal offense and the offender’s previous record.<\/p>\n

Being on probation<\/a> doesn’t mean you’re done serving your sentence. Probation comes with almost as many restrictions as jail. Violating the terms and conditions of your probation means you return to jail, sometimes with a new charge and more time than contemplated in your original sentence.<\/p>\n

A probation violation will set you back from freedom. If you recently violated your probation, consider contacting a criminal defense attorney<\/a> near you. An attorney can negotiate with the court to potentially reduce or avoid additional penalties.<\/p>\n

What Is a Probation Violation?<\/h2>\n

Probation is sometimes called community supervision. It is a privilege, not a right. Probation violations happen when a probationer fails to follow the rules of their probation. Probationers sometimes forget that\u2014though they’re technically not in jail\u2014they are subject to many of the same restrictions that come with a jail sentence.<\/p>\n

Federal and state laws determine if an action is a\u00a0probation violation. Violation depends on the nature of the original crime, the nature of the violating offense, and the circumstances surrounding the arrest<\/a>. Just getting arrested may not violate the terms of your probation. Common probation violations include:<\/p>\n