Probation Violations in PA
If you are serving probation for criminal charges in Pennsylvania, you know that this offers you an opportunity to remain within the community instead of going to jail. You also understand that probation has specific requirements of the law you must meet, such as court-ordered conditions that must be done under the supervision of a probation officer.
Among the conditions attached to your probation may be community service, regularly meeting with your probation officer, not using illegal drugs, nor drinking alcohol in excess. You must also keep away from certain places and people as well as show up in court at certain times.
Failing to do any of the above places you in probation violation of your criminal charges in Pennsylvania. If this has happened to you, you need to talk to a probation violation lawyer from Giribaldi & Manaras, P.C.
With over two decades of providing law services in Media, Pennsylvania, we are ready to listen to your case and prepared to defend your rights. Set up a consultation today.
Most Common Conditions of Probation Violations in PA
In Pennsylvania, a person is usually on probation between one and three years, depending on the crime. In some cases, it may extend longer or throughout your life, as it happens in sex offense cases, according to the law. Some of the most common conditions associated with being on probation are:
- You must meet with your probation officer regularly
- You must be present at scheduled court appearances
- You are obligated to pay fines or restitution, depending on the crime
- You must stay away from some specified people or places
- You are unable to travel out of state without obtaining permission from your probation officer
- You must obey all laws
- You should not use illegal drugs or use excessive alcohol, and submit to tests when called to do so
- Depending on the crime, you may also be required to attend drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs.
Violating Probation
If you are under probation and have broken any of its rules or conditions, you may have your probation officer give you a warning. In other cases, or after repeated violations, you may be asked to attend a violation hearing.
During the hearing, the judge may decide that you have indeed violated your probation and that you must now face further penalties like additional probation terms, revoked probation, jail time, and heavy fines.
A probation violation attorney from Giribaldi & Manaras, P.C. is the legal asset you need when facing the penalties associated with violating your probation. Let us help you fight for your rights and get the results you seek. Give us a call today for a no-obligation consultation.
Your Legal Rights During a Revocation Hearing
If it is believed that you have violated the terms or conditions of your probation, you may be called to appear at a revocation hearing. During the hearing, you will be informed of any new charges against you, but you also have the opportunity to present evidence to the judge.
Your probation violation lawyer from Giribaldi & Manaras, P.C. will help you develop a solid case to support you and refute whatever evidence is presented against you.
You have rights, and we are here to help you fight for them. Set up an initial consultation today; there is no time to waste.
Facing a Revocation of Your Probation
If the judge determines that your violation of probation merits a revocation during the hearing, you may be worried that you will be sent to jail. However, you should know that by law, a judge has several options available at sentencing. Among them:
- Your probation may be lengthened
- You may have to pay additional fines
- You may be ordered to attend counseling
- You may have to participate in a treatment program
- You may have to spend some time in jail
- You may have to serve the time allotted on your original sentence
Before any of this happens, reach out to a probation violation lawyer in Pennsylvania from Giribaldi & Manaras, P.C. Let us put together a strong law defense and fight for your rights. Call us today.
Your Attorney will Appeal the Ruling
If the judge has already issued a new sentence or a revocation of your probation, your Pennsylvania attorney can help you appeal the ruling to the state’s next highest court.
The hope is that the court of law will find an error in the lower court’s ruling or conclude that there was insufficient evidence to support the conviction. The result may be that the probation violation in Pennsylvania is dismissed.
Your Attorney will Fight to Shorten Your Probation
Depending on your case and on the particular offense, you may have the opportunity to apply for an early release from probation. This is completely discretionary for a judge to allow.
For a judge to consider shortening your probation, you may have to have served at least a third of your probation before being considered eligible. Also, the judge may require that you meet all the conditions of your probation, whether they are rehabilitation classes, fines paid, or community service completed.
If you would like to consider applying for your probation to be shortened, talk to your probation attorney from Giribaldi & Manaras, P.C., and get some idea of how likely this is to happen.
Get Legal Help for Your Probation Violation
After being convicted for a crime, facing years of probation may have you reflecting on how this is preferable to spending time in jail. Still, you may have questions regarding your probation or may be facing a hearing because of a probation violation. In any case, we are ready to support you with any legal concerns and help you fight the charges of a probation violation. Don’t waste any time and set up your initial consultation right away. We are ready to discuss your case and help you fight for your rights.