When you are convicted of a criminal offense, it can be incredibly overwhelming, as you may worry about spending time in jail. However, if you are sentenced to probation, this can be a significant relief. It’s critical to understand that while you may not be behind bars, there are still terms and conditions you must adhere to. As such, if you violate probation, you can face serious consequences. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including the importance of working with Houston criminal defense attorneys to guide you through these difficult times.
How Do Parole and Probation Differ?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand the differences between probation and parole in Texas. Unfortunately, many use these terms interchangeably when they represent two different matters. While both refer to forms of community supervision, meaning someone can serve their sentence outside of jail, when they are ordered differs greatly. As such, probation can be issued instead of prison, while parole is the early conditional release of someone who has been incarcerated.
Aside from timing, it’s important to understand that the other primary difference is the legal body that oversees these two forms of community supervision. When someone is released on parole, the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole is responsible for their supervision. However, when probation is issued in place of jail time, the court will oversee the sentence.
What Consequences Can I Face if I Violate Probation?
When you are placed on probation, there will be a considerable number of terms and conditions you must adhere to. Common rules include the following:
- Reporting to your probation officer
- Informing your probation officer of changes in address, phone number, or employment
- Paying the necessary fees
- Refraining from further criminal acts
- Maintaining employment
It’s also important to understand that many probationers also have additional terms they must adhere to based on the crime they were convicted of. For example, someone convicted of an assault charge may be required to attend counseling and anger management courses, while someone convicted of possessing child pornography will likely be prohibited from accessing the internet.
In the event you are accused of violating your probation, the consequences you can face will vary depending on the severity of the violation. For minor offenses, you may find that you are issued a warning or the officer increases your reporting schedule. Additionally, you may have to pay additional fines, or your probation sentence may be increased as a result.
However, more serious violations can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest. If this occurs, you will be taken into custody and must attend a hearing in which the probation board will determine if the violation occurred, and if so, the penalties you will face. In some instances, you may be ordered to spend time in prison.
If you are accused of violating probation, it’s critical to understand that you have the right to legal representation. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with the Gonzalez Law Group to explore your legal options. We understand how complex these matters can be, which is why we will explore all avenues to help you fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us today.