Probation is often a welcome alternative to first offenders in criminal court. It often allows defendants the opportunity to serve out their sentence outside the confines of prison or jail, and offers them the freedom to continue with their daily lives. Courts also enjoy this flexibility because it cuts down on jail overcrowding and offers offenders the option to better their lives through community service without the harsh penalties of jail. However, as any Phoenix probation violation attorney knows, restrictions are easy to break, and there are often stiff penalties for their violation.
Probation is often given to individuals in Phoenix whom the court believes can be rehabilitated into society without the added punishment of jail time. Contrary to what many criminals believe, most courts do not wish their prisons and jails to be overflowing and instead often opt for probation, especially for first-time offenders. However, probation is often easy to violate, which can lead to jail time.
Probation requirements differ from case to case, but often require an accounting to a probation officer, and sometimes even a drug counselor or psychiatrist. Other probation requirements include certain hours of community service, and even some weekends spend in county jail. You may be required to find a job and hold it down for a number of months to prove to the court that you are capable of earning a living in a legal manner. Probation often comes with limits as well, such as how far outside the city you can travel without the approval of the court, the ability to carry a firearm, and even a curfew.
If a defendant violates the terms of their probation, the court may issue a warrant for their rearrest and may impose the initial sentence, revoking probation, and even add to the punishment range. Typical probation violations include:
Any one of these offenses may appear to be pretty straightforward, but they are often contained within complex restrictions which defendants do not always thoroughly read. Many defendants are unaware that they are confined to their own county and may take a day trip to a city an hour away. While this may seem like a routine trip, it may serve as a probation violation in unique cases. Make sure you have an experienced and successful Phoenix criminal lawyer on your side protecting your legal rights.
Contact our probation lawyers in Phoenix today at Ryan Garvey Attorneys for your initial free consultation to ensure your future is not adversely affected.
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