Probation Violation Assistance With a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer
Individuals convicted of less serious crimes are often sentenced to probation. A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can explain to you that probation is a type of supervisory sentence where you are allowed back into the community instead of having to serve jail time. A judge will set conditions for probation such as not being able to drink alcohol, take drugs, or commit other crimes. Failure to comply with these conditions can lead to the imposition of the original jail sentence that you faced.
Conditions of Probation
A judge typically has wide discretion to set the terms of probation. A Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can explain to you how California Penal Code section 1203 allows a judge to impose any term or condition to be attached to probation so long as there is a rational relationship between that condition and the criminal offense which you were charged.
Some common conditions of probations can include:
- Failing to attend a mandated program such as drug rehabilitation or a drunk driving education course
- Violating geographical restrictions such as remaining in the city or state
- Failing to report to your probation officer at the designated place and time
- Committing new and additional crimes
- Failing to appear at scheduled court hearings
Consequences of Violating Probation
A judge has the ability to modify the conditions of your probation or impose the original sentence if you have been found guilty of violating the probation. As with other aspects of probation, the judge typically has discretion to choose the appropriate punishment for your probation violation and usually will consider things like the offense you had been originally charged with, nature of the probation violation, and your criminal history.
Contact a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been accused of violating your probation, you will want to work with an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney. The consequences for probation violation can be very severe as you can lose your freedom. To learn how an attorney at Daniel V. Cota & Associates, P.C. can assist you, contact 800.351.6860.