Chad Johnson's Warrant May Lead to His Arrest

Ex-NFL star Chad Johnson has an arrest warrant with his name on it for failing to report to his probation officer.

Chad Johnson's warrant was issued May 7 for violation of the probation he received for head-butting his ex-wife, "Basketball Wives" mainstay Evelyn Lozada, back in 2012, reports the Associated Press.

With Johnson still MIA, he may face even more dire consequences if he continues to evade arrest.

Terms of Probation

Probation is generally granted to first-time or low-risk offenders in lieu of jail time with the promise that they can serve their punishments by following the conditions of their probation.

Johnson was given a year of probation as part of a no-contest plea to a domestic violence charge for headbutting Lozada. The court also required him to attend a domestic violence class and, like most probationers, report to his probation officer.

Most probationers are also not allowed to travel outside the state without the permission of their probation officer, but Johnson's Twitter feed seems to suggest that he's in Pasadena, California, according to CBS Sports.

Arrest Warrant Issued

When a probationer violates his probation, a judge can issue an arrest warrant, which entitles the police to arrest him in order to appear in court to answer for not following the terms of his probation.

If Johnson really is in California, officials there could arrest him and extradite him to Florida to attend his probation violation hearing.

The longer Johnson takes to turn himself in, the greater the potential for a more serious punishment when he finally returns to Florida.

Punishment for Violating Probation

Johnson has allegedly violated his probation by:

• Not attending and completing his "Batterers Intervention Program,"
• Not meeting with his probation officer, and
• Leaving the state without permission.

After the arrest warrant is resolved, the court will hold a hearing to determine if these violations occurred.

If Chad Johnson is found to be in violation of his probation, a judge may extend his probation, add conditions to his sentence, or even sentence him to spend the remainder of his probation in jail.

Related Resources:

• Chad Johnson -- Warrant Issued for ex-NFL Star's Arrest (TMZ)
• Chad Johnson, Evelyn Lozada Officially Divorced (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)
• Chad Johnson Pleads Not Guilty to Headbutting Wife (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)
• NFL's Chad Ochocinco Deep-Sixes Made-Up Name for Fiancée's Sake (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)