Orange County Probation Violation Lawyer

What is the Difference Between Formal & Informal Probation in California?

Probation is the suspension of a jail sentence, granted by a judge to a defendant who the judge feels is capable of serving out a jail or prison sentence at home. Probation in the state of California can be either formal or informal, and may depend on the judgments or sentencing given.

Understanding Probation Terms

• Formal probation requires a defendant to register with the Adult Probation Department of Orange County, and then the defendant will be assigned a probation officer who will supervise the probationary term.
• Informal probation, on the other hand, does not require registration or supervision. Instead, the main condition is that you must obey all laws during the term of your probation.

In addition to following the law, the terms of your probation could include:

• Mandatory weekly meetings with a probation officer
• Requirement that you remain free of drugs and alcohol

Probation should be viewed as a privilege and not a right, because many defendants in criminal cases are not given the option of probation. If you have been granted probation, you are required to behave according to those terms. Otherwise, a judge can rule to revoke probation during a hearing.

How Can I Violate Probation?

The following are some of the most common ways that probation is violated:

• Failing a drug or alcohol test or refusing to submit to these tests
• Failing to pay a fine or court fee
• Failing to appear in court or check in with the probation officer
• Failing to comply with a court order
• Committing another criminal offense
• Failing to complete mandatory community service hours

If you violate your probation, you will be issued a bench warrant, arrested, and/or detained until a probation revocation hearing is scheduled. Obtaining probation means that you give up your right to a jury trial and the right to a speedy trial. Instead, you may be held in jail for months until your violation hearing.

There are several ways to discover that a probation violation has been filed against you:

• You may receive a letter from the Orange County Clerk's Office advising you that a warrant has been issued for your arrest and you need to appear in court, or you may receive a warrant delivered by an Orange County Sheriff at your home or work.
• In other situations, your probation officer may arrest you when you report to your check-in, or you may be arrested if you are stopped for a vehicle code violation.

Probation Violation Penalties

The court has total control of the conditions of your probation and can revoke or change the order of suspension of your sentence if you are found guilty of violating your probation. The judge will determine if you have in fact violated the terms of your probation and what the punishment will be if such is the case. Get in touch with our Orange County criminal defense attorney who can challenge accusations of probation violation.

At the Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman, you have access to an awarded and highly-qualified criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of legal experience. Attorney Goodman has earned a perfect 10.0 score from Avvo for her successes and strong client rapport. We have all the tools needed to provide a vigorous and effective defense for your criminal charges.

What Penalties Can the Judge Impose?

The judge overseeing your case can impose any number of penalties if you are found to have violated your probation, which is why you need an aggressive defense attorney to fight your charges.

Potential consequences can include:

• Imposition of original sentences
• Probation revocation and imposition of maximum sentence legally allowed
• Extension of probation term length
• Counseling
• Added probation terms
• Community service
• Substance abuse treatment

Being convicted of violating your probation can set you back considerably and even send you to prison if the judge deems your violation severe enough. You cannot afford anything but the most dedicated legal advocacy to defend you from such a fate.

Don't Risk Your Future on Violation Charges!

You should speak with an Orange County probation violation lawyer to review your alleged violation and strategize how to contest your allegations. The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman is ready to hear you out and fight for the best outcome possible.

Call our OC criminal defense attorney today for your free consultation- (714) 879-5770.

The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman Probation Legal Counsel

Probation can place heavy demands on your lifestyle, and many defendants have problems conforming to these strict demands, which can last for months or years at a time. Probation cases in California typically last three years, but longer terms are possible as well. If you successfully complete your program requirements, you may be able to petition for your probation to be terminated after two years. If you violate your probation, however, you may be at risk of even greater penalties.

Violation of your probation is a serious matter that should be treated as such, and you need the best criminal defense lawyer on your side. At the Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman, we are prepared to defend your rights today and we have the experience and resources you need to achieve the best outcome possible.