If you are someone who was recently sentenced to probation in lieu of jail, though you are now being charged with violating your probation conditions, you must continue reading and speak with our knowledgeable Texas criminal defense attorneys today to learn more about how we can help you. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are some of the most frequent charges relating to probation violation?
There are several different ways in which an individual may violate his or her probation conditions, including the following:
- Refusing to submit to random drug tests.
- Leaving your state or county if your probation conditions prohibit you from doing so.
- Being convicted of an additional crime.
- Being caught with drugs or alcohol in your system.
- Neglecting to obtain court-ordered employment, or being fired from such employment.
- Failing to show up or report to your probation officer.
- Failing to do court-mandated community service.
Will I go to jail if I am caught violating my probation in Texas?
The two main types of probation in Texas are straight probation and deferred adjudication probation. Straight probation is when someone is determined guilty of a crime, though the judge allows them to serve community supervision in lieu of jail time. If you are caught violating straight probation in Texas, you will most likely spend the remainder of your sentence in jail, or, in the worst cases, you will have to serve your entire sentence in jail. That being said, deferred adjudication probation is when someone’s conviction is delayed by a judge, and if that person obeys all conditions of his or her probation, their initial charges will get dismissed. If you are found guilty of violating deferred adjudication probation, however, you will most likely face the maximum sentence for your initial crime.
Can an attorney help me fight charges of violating probation?
Yes. When you attend your hearing, you may retain the services of a knowledgeable Houston criminal defense attorney who can work to prove that you did not violate your probation terms. That being said, all a judge needs to convict you is a “preponderance of evidence,” which is a far lower standard than “beyond a reasonable doubt.” That is why you need an attorney who has been helping individuals in similar situations for years. We can help you. All you have to do is give us a call today.
Contact our experienced Houston firm
We understand how challenging various legal matters can be, which is why we have dedicated ourselves to helping clients in Texas through a wide array of legal matters, including personal injury law and criminal defense. If you have sustained a serious injury or are facing criminal charges, contact the Gonzalez Law Group today to learn more about how we can help you through every step of the legal process ahead.