Lake County Violation of Probation Lawyer

There are many requirements when a person is placed on probation, and terms must not be violated. You may have been required to complete community service, attend alcohol or drug counseling, stay in contact with your probation officer, submit to random drug testing, even avoid specific locations or people. The terms of probation vary from one state to another, and even one county to another in some cases. Regardless, if you violate the terms of probation it may result in additional punishment, or even serving the sentence you would have served had you not been given probation. When you need an aggressive Lake County criminal defense attorney who will defend your rights and work to mitigate the damage, count on Adams, Luka, & Benton.

In Florida, there are two types of probation violations; these include substantive violation, and technical violation. A substantive violation occurs when the individual who is on probation is arrested for or charged with a new crime. A technical violation occurs when the probationer does not comply with conditions specified in the probation agreement and ordered by the court. Regardless of whether you are accused of a technical or substantive violation of probation, the judge is not required to give you a bond. He or she may or may not give you bond - and if bond is denied, you cannot appeal the judge's decision.

Ironically, the consequences of violating probation can be more serious than the initial sentence, and may include:

• Arrest
• Criminal charges on top of the initial charges, and additional punishment
• No entitlement to bond
• Probation time you have served will not go toward your sentence
• You may be convicted of the initial offense (found guilty), which could impact whether you are eligible to have your record sealed or expunged at a later date
• You may be sentenced to the maximum punishment for the initial offense

As you can see, violation of probation is a very serious matter.

When arrested for probation violation, you are entitled to a hearing in front of a judge; your case will not be heard by a jury. The judge will determine whether you did violate conditions or terms of probation after hearing the facts of the alleged violation. Unlike in a jury trial where you cannot be forced to testify against yourself, you may be required to do so at a probation violation hearing; in addition, testimony of witnesses may be used against you. It is important to note that you must have adequate legal representation at a probation violation hearing, as the prosecutor does not have the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Violation of probation is serious, and could leave you facing severe consequences. Take action now to protect your freedom and avoid potential jail time, additional charges, and other punishment by contacting a talented Lake County violation of probation lawyer. At Adams, Luka, & Benton, we give your case the personal attention and dedication you deserve. Call our firm now for a free consultation at (352) 787-2101.