Posted on November 20, 2015 in Crime

The 11 Most Common Probation Violations and Why You Should Avoid Them

If you have committed a crime and are currently on probation, the smartest thing to do is stay out of any more trouble. However, if you do wind up in a situation where you have violated your probation terms, the consequences could be severe.

There are an estimated 3,910,600 offenders on adult probation in the United States and nearly 1 in 51 adults under community supervision, according to a 2013 study by the Bureau of Justice Statistics. In Arizona, there are approximately 80,632 individuals on probation. An individual can be put on probation for a variety of charges; some of the most common include charges associated with: DUIs, drug crimes, sex offenses and many others.  Probation violations occur anytime a person breaches the terms outlined by the judge. Below are a few of the most common probation violations in Arizona.

Common Probation Violations

• Associating with other criminals
• Committing other criminal offenses
• Drinking, if your probation terms specified abstaining from it
• Failing to check in with the judge or probation officer
• Failing to appear in court at a scheduled date and time
• Failing to submit to regular drug testing required by the judge
• Failing to pay court fees or fines
• Failing to enroll in or complete rehabilitation or community service
• Failing to pay restitution to the victim
• Possessing illegal drugs or weapons
• Spending time in locations prohibited by the judge

What Happens After a Probation Violation?

Each case is different and has its own requirements that should be listed in the probation packet you were given. You are presented with a number of consequences if you defy any of the aforementioned violations.

If your probation officer in Arizona discerns that your infraction is minor, there is a chance that the officer could mark it down as a strike against you and give you a second chance to justify yourself. This is entirely up to the discretion of your probation officer, so it is fundamental for you to acquire a positive relationship with him or her.

Once the court is made aware of your violation and a bench warrant has been issued, the chances of this happening are very slim, and you could face consequences that may alter your life.

Consequences of Violating Probation

• Additional probation time
• Being reinstated on probation with additional terms, such as “intensive probation,” which may require you to be placed on house arrest
• Having your probation reinstated with the same terms
• Having your probation revoked and being forced to immediately serve your original sentence
• Increased hours of community service
• Paying larger fines
• Serving jail time

In order to save yourself from the aggravation and stress that may come with these consequences, our advice is to be cautious and comply with the terms of your probation.

Contact the Criminal Defense Lawyers at Orent Law Offices In Phoenix To Get Legal Assistance Today

For more information, contact the criminal defense attorney Craig Orent. Give us a call at (480) 656-7301 or visit our law office at 11811 N Tatum Blvd UNIT 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028. We offer a free case evaluation, so get the help you deserve today.