5 Ways You Can Violate Probation

Getting released from jail, or avoiding jail altogether, and being placed on probation can seem like quite a break in many situations. While it is certainly better than sitting in jail, it is not without its risks. Many people are shocked to learn how many different things they can do that are considered probation violations, which is why so many people end up getting rearrested. Read the following five violations, many of which are largely unknown to the average person.

Committing Another Crime

The first, and most obvious way that you can violate your probation is to commit another crime. It is important to note that it doesn’t matter what type of crime it is. Any violation of any law, with the exception of a simple traffic violation, can be considered breaking your probation and result in your immediate arrest.

Failure to Pay Court-Ordered Fines & Fees on Schedule

It won’t come as a surprise to anyone that the courts always want to get the money they are owed. Unlike other debt collectors, however, they have the power of the police directly backing them in their collection efforts. If you don’t pay the money owed to the courts within a set amount of time, you could be violating your probation.

Failure to Maintain Employment as Required

One of the stipulations for probation in many cases is maintaining employment. If you quit a job or are let go, it can be considered a violation of your probation. In most cases, you will be required to notify your parole officer immediately after losing a job for any reason, and will then have a set amount of time before you must be working again. If you lose your job, make sure to work closely with your PO to minimize the risk of being charged with a parole violation.

Visiting a Restricted Area

Part of your probation may include a list of areas that you are not allowed to go. For example, some people who are on probation after a gang-related conviction may be prevented from going to areas known to be associated with gang activity. Even just driving through the area can be considered a violation and have you placed back in jail.

Contacting Prohibited Persons

There are many criminal convictions that can result in you being limited on who you are legally able to associate with while on probation. For example, if you were convicted on a drug-related charge, the judge may say you can’t associate with anyone else who has a drug conviction. If you are caught even having a casual conversation with a friend that is on the prohibited persons list, you can be arrested.

Don’t Lose Hope – We can Help

This list is just a fraction of the different ways that probation can be violated, all of which can have you sent back to jail. To many, the probation system feels more like a trap waiting to spring than an opportunity to stay out of jail while paying back your “debt to society.” Even if you have violated your probation in some way, there is no reason to lose hope. Contact Abdallah Law to go over your options and see how we can help fight the accusation of a probation violation.