Probation Violation Attorney in West Chester, Pennsylvania

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a defendant convicted of an offense may receive a probation sentence as an alternative to imprisonment. When under probation, the probationer must obey the terms and provisions of their probation. A probation violation happens when the defendant ignores or breaks any of the terms, rules, or conditions of their probation. 

According to statistics from The Council of State Governments Justice Center, nearly 16% (7,443) of people in prison in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are incarcerated for supervision violations. If you're under investigation for probation violation, retaining a strategic Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney is vital to help build your defense. 

At Strand Law Offices, LLC, we give comprehensive legal direction and reliable representation to clients facing probation violation charges. Our trusted lawyer can investigate the accusations against you, identify the probation conditions that were violated, and help determine your best defenses. 

Strand Law Offices, LLC, proudly represents clients in West Chester, Lancaster County, and surrounding counties throughout Pennsylvania. 

How Probation Can Be Violated  

Probation is an alternative sentencing option that allows convicted defendants to serve their punishment within their immediate community rather than in county jail or state prison. Probation violation occurs when the person under probation (probationer) ignores, refuses, avoids, or breaks any conditions, rules, or provisions of their probation agreement. The following are some common ways that probation may be violated: 

• Failure to appear for a court date. 

• Failure to contact or report to a probation officer when required. 

• Traveling outside the area without permission. 

• Quitting your school program or job. 

• Failure to pay restitution, fees, or fines. 

• Failure to complete community service. 

• Changing employment without notifying your probation officer. 

• Possessing, selling, or distributing illicit drugs or controlled substances. 

• Committing another crime or offense. 

• Failing a drug test. 

• Visiting certain people or places connected with criminal activities. 

• Getting arrested for an unrelated offense. 

• Not complying with alcohol or drug screenings. 

A practiced Pennsylvania probation violations attorney can investigate every surrounding detail of your case carefully and determine the nature of your probation violation. 

Types of Probation Violation 

Additionally, probation violations can be categorized into – technical violations and new criminal offenses. 

Technical Violations: A technical violation occurs when the probationer violates one or more terms and conditions of their probation agreement, such as failure to pay court-ordered fines, restitution, or fees. 

New Criminal Offenses: This occurs when the defendant commits a new offense or ends up with a new criminal charge while on probation. 

If you or someone close to you has recently been charged with a probation violation, you must contact a reliable criminal defense attorney immediately. Your lawyer can analyze the alleged violations and fully explain the potential penalties and consequences. 

Penalties of Probation Violation 

However, the possible consequences of probation violations in Pennsylvania can be far-reaching, depending on these factors: 

• The seriousness and nature of the violation. 

• Whether your probation officer reported the violation to the court. 

• Whether you are facing new criminal charges. 

• Whether this is your first probation violation or you have prior violations. 

A dependable lawyer can help you understand the possible implications of your probation violation and the potential outcome of your case. 

Warning or Request to Appear in Court 

However, if your probation officer reports the violation to the court, the judge will issue a warrant for law enforcement to arrest you. In addition, you may be required to attend a court hearing. 

Determination of Violation  

At the probation violation hearing, the judge will ask your probation officer certain questions to establish if there was any violation. The probation officer may also be required to recommend whether your probation should be revoked or not. If a probation violation is established at the hearing, the judge will issue a fitting punishment. 

Sentencing and Possible Penalties 

If you're found to be a violator, here are some possible penalties that may be imposed by the judge: 

• Issue a strict warning. 

• Issue court-ordered counseling. 

• Extend your probation sentence. 

• Modify the terms and conditions of your probation. 

• Revoke your probation agreement. 

• Impose statutory maximum penalties. 

• Revoke your probation and order additional sentences. 

• Issue an order for you to perform additional hours of community service. 

• Mandatory enrollment in an alcohol or drug treatment program. 

A reliable attorney can represent you diligently in your case and strategize a solid defense to help you avoid or mitigate any additional penalty for probation violation. 

Depend on a Strong Criminal Defense Attorney 

Defending your probation violation charges without knowledgeable guidance or representation is never a reasonable idea. If found guilty, the judge may revoke, modify, terminate your probation agreement, or impose additional penalties. Therefore, when charged with probation violation, hiring a highly-skilled criminal defense attorney is paramount to protect your rights and help build your defense. 

At Strand Law Offices, LLC, we protect individuals charged with probation violations from the worst possible punishments. As your legal team, we can work to understand your circumstances and help determine the probation terms that were violated. Also, our attorney will represent you at every step of the legal process and help you achieve the best available outcome for your unique circumstances.