When you are arrested and charged with a crime that carries the potential for jail time, it can be incredibly overwhelming. Not only can having a criminal record follow you for the rest of your life, but going to jail can be very traumatic. If you have been charged with a crime and are facing conviction, working with experienced Houston criminal defense attorneys can help you fight for an alternative to jail. If you’re facing charges, keep reading to learn more about who is eligible for probation and what you can expect if this is granted.
What Is Probation?
Probation is a form of alternative sentencing that allows the person convicted of a crime to serve time outside of jail rather than behind bars. Generally, if this is granted, one of two things will occur. In some cases, your probation will be served in place of your jail sentence. On the other hand, if you are sentenced to time behind bars, the court can grant probation after a certain amount of time as part of your initial sentence, effectively reducing how much time you spend in prison.
It’s also important to understand that probation and parole, though often used interchangeably, are different. Probation can be granted in place of jail, while parole is an option for the early conditional release of an incarcerated individual.
In some instances, probation is granted to those who have worked out a plea bargain with the prosecution, but it can also be issued by the judge following the conclusion of a jury trial.
If you are granted probation, it’s important to understand that you must adhere to the terms and conditions of your probation. It’s entitled up to the court’s discretion to alter the conditions of your probation to reflect your crimes. However, common conditions include:
- Checking in with your probation officer
- Mandated counseling
- Appearing for all scheduled court hearings
- Drug testing
- Wearing a GPS monitoring device
- Refraining from contacting certain individuals
- Participation in community service
- Avoiding certain locations
- Refraining from using the internet
What Happens if I Violate The Terms of My Release?
If you violate the terms and conditions of your probation, it’s important to understand what can happen. Generally, you’ll find that if you commit a minor infraction, you can receive a formal warning. However, violations can result in the revocation of your probation, meaning you’ll be remanded to jail to serve the rest of your sentence behind bars.
A violation is a serious accusation that should not be taken lightly. Because the penalties for violating your probation can result in going to jail, ensuring you connect with an experienced attorney as soon as possible is in your best interest. At the Gonzalez Law Group, we understand how complicated these issues can be. That’s why our firm will do everything possible to assist you during these difficult times. Connect with us today to learn how we can fight for you when you are facing legal trouble.
