PROBATION VIOLATION LAWYER
Probation Violation
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VIOLATION OF PROBATION (VOP)
Here is the probation violation process:
- The probation officer informs the court that probation has been violated in some way (probation officers may even arrest probationers without a warrant in certain situations).
- The court will schedule a probation hearing or authorize an arrest warrant.
- When arrested, there will be a hearing, and a bond may be set.
For your defense, you are entitled to:
- A statement of violations detailing the terms of probation you allegedly violated.
- A probable cause hearing to determine if there is a reasonable basis for the violation.
- An evidentiary hearing in which the State must prove that a violation occured.
We will build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances, aiming to mitigate the violation or even get it dismissed altogether.
What Our Clients
Are Saying
Nathan Akamine has been recognized as one of the top Columbus criminal defense lawyers in the region. Let Akamine Criminal Defense Law fight for you.
What Our Clients
Are Saying
Nathan Akamine has been recognized as one of the top Columbus criminal defense lawyers in the region. Let Akamine Criminal Defense Law fight for you.
Common
Questions
01
What is the difference between probation and community control?
Before we get into the consequences of a probation violation, let’s clarify what it means. In Ohio, the term “probation” is usually used for misdemeanors while “community control” is used for felonies. However, both terms are used to describe a period of supervision imposed by a court in lieu of jail time.
Oftentimes, especially in tough cases, probation is the desired result, mainly because it means no prison time. However, probation often comes with a list of restrictions that can prove really burdensome to everyday life. In fact, the terms of probation often seem to be set up to ensure the failure of the probationer. Sometimes a probation violation can seem inevitable, or maybe the violation was simply accidental. Whatever the reason for the violation, there are actions that can be taken to minimize penalties and avoid jail time.
02
What are the possible consequences of a probation violation?
At the time of your initial sentencing, the court suspended a jail or prison sentence on the condition that you successfully complete probation. If you admit to violating a term of your probation, the court can reinstate the suspended jail or prison term. Furthermore, the court can lengthen the term and even add additional probation requirements. It’s also possible to be held in jail, without bond, until a decision is made by the court.
However, it’s important to remember that a probation officer’s belief that you are in violation is not the final word. Even if you’ve violated your probation or failed to report, there are actions that can be taken to minimize penalties and avoid jail time. However, like most things, it’s best to address the situation before being arrested.
03
How do probation violations happen?
There are primarily two ways you can violate your probation:
Technical Probation Violations: These occur if you fail to comply with the conditions of your probation. Something as simple as missing a check-in time with your probation officer, failing to pay a fine on time, or not completing court-ordered community service could all violate the terms of your probation.
Criminal Violations: When you commit a criminal act while on probation, such as driving under the influence, even if it is unrelated to your original crime, you have violated the agreement that you made with the judge. Chances are, the judge will see you as someone who will most likely return to the criminal justice system again and become a repeat offender, making these more serious.
What sets Akamine Law apart?
You have choices when hiring a criminal defense attorney in Columbus, get the Akamine Advantage.
Personalized attention
Helping you out of your difficult situation is what I enjoy about being a lawyer. You won’t be just a case number.
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Fighting for you
I’m on your side. I won’t pressure you to take a plea unless that’s our last resort. Together, we will get it done.
How can a lawyer help me with my probation violation hearing?
Although it is legal to represent yourself, it’s always a good idea to have a lawyer by your side at your hearing. You want to take every action possible to reduce the chances of the judge revoking your probation and sending you to jail.
We need to show that you attend work or school regularly and are doing everything you can to remain a law-abiding citizen. We will represent you to the judge as someone who is making the most of their opportunity to remain out of jail on probation. This becomes more difficult if you face new criminal charges, but it’s not impossible to keep you out of jail if the new charges are minor.
In addition, if your probation violation was an accident, for example, like if you mixed up the dates for your meeting with your probation officer, we can explain that it was never your intention to violate your probation.
At Akamine Law, we act quickly and aggressively on behalf of our clients. Even before your case is scheduled for court, we will work with probation to address any issues. This often greatly accelerates the probation violation process. Our goal is to get you before a judge and out of jail as soon as possible. If you’re out of jail, we’ll work to keep you out.
If you’ve violated probation, don’t wait to call an attorney. Get us fighting for you as soon as possible. Let’s get started.
