While probation orders usually allow individuals to avoid having to go to jail, these orders do come with conditions. The terms of a probation are decided by a judge and are court-mandated. If you violate the terms of your probation, you may face imprisonment and other harsh consequences. This risk is particularly acute for both repeat offenders and gang members, as the courts are less likely to be forgiving of a probation violation when an individual already has a criminal record and/or is affiliated with groups that tend to engage in criminal activity. Therefore, if you have recently violated your probation, we urge you to contact San Francisco, California attorneys that represent gang members at The Morales Law Firm. It’s not generally a good idea to navigate a probation violation issue on your own because so much is at stake. No matter the situation you are going through, whether it was a big or small violation of your probation terms, chances are you need the guidance of attorneys that represent gang members San Francisco, CA residents trust to protect you and your interests.
Risk of Facing the Original Sentence
While probation sounds like a breeze in comparison to other consequences, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. A person who violates their probation may have to face their original sentence. For instance, a person who committed a crime that would normally mean they spend a year or more behind bars, may have to fulfill that consequence now that they have breached the terms of their probation. San Francisco, CA attorneys that represent gang members can work hard to keep you from enduring the very worst of the potential repercussions in the wake of a probation violation.
Probation Conditions and Terms
When you meet with our team, it is important that you are truthful about how you violated your probation and why. Only then can we create a plan of action that is most likely to influence the judge’s decision on whether you will be given another chance at probation or you will be required to fulfill your original sentence. Here are some of the most common probation terms that may ultimately be breached for good reasons:
- Check-ins with probation officer. It isn’t uncommon for a defendant to have to meet with a probation officer on a regular basis about how their life is going, whether they’ve gotten a job, are staying out of trouble, etc.
- Paying financial restitution. A defendant may be required to pay financial compensation anyone they harmed due to partaking in a crime.
- Drug testing. If the charges were drug-related, defendants may have to take routine drug tests to show they have quit using.
- Community service hours. Judges may necessitate that defendants complete an assigned number of community service hours while on probation.
- Attendance at work or school. The judge may order the defendant to find employment or continue going to school.
- Avoiding criminal activity. It should go without saying that the defendant must not be involved in criminal activity, gangs, drugs, or anything else that breaks the law.
- Not owning firearms. Defendants who faced charges associated with guns or violence may have their weapons confiscated.
- Complying with random searches. Depending on the nature of the charges, a judge may require that the defendant complies with random searches done by police.
It is possible that you had no choice but to violate your probation due to a very compelling reason. But regardless of why you violated your probation, you need to act now. Do not delay in getting legal assistance. Our San Francisco, CA attorneys that represent gang members can begin building a strong defense on your behalf as soon as you connect with us. Please call now.
