If you or someone you know faces a violation of probation in the state of Florida, time is of the essence in remedying this issue.
A violation of probation sets in motion a flurry of legal activities in the court system that demand your attention and response. These activities are often complicated and difficult to understand for the average person. If you know what to expect when you break your probation, you can navigate these waters much more effectively and have greater peace of mind.
What is a violation of probation?
A violation of probation in Florida occurs when you substantially and willfully neglect the terms of your court-ordered probation status. Some of these conditions include:
- Regularly scheduled meetings with a probation officer
- Fines or restitution
- No allowance for additional crimes
- Court-ordered drug testing or rehabilitation attendance
What happens if you violate the terms of your probation?
A probation officer usually determines violations of probation, then submits an affidavit to the court of jurisdiction. If the court agrees with the assessment of the probation officer, it issues an arrest warrant and sets a hearing, where you may face consequences. At this point, it is you versus the state legal system.
You will need to protect your best interests during this process. Lack of familiarity with the court system can be intimidating for most people. With your future at stake, a strong defense is often necessary to help you avoid the worst potential outcomes of violating the terms of your probation.