Alameda & Contra Costa County Probation Violations Attorney
Probation Violations Defense in Contra Costa & Alameda Counties
Legally speaking, probation is the suspension of a jail sentence. Instead of incarceration, a judge may sentence you to probation. Probation allows you to carry out your sentence without having to spend any time behind bars. When a judge sentences you to probation, he or she will lay out certain terms and conditions that you must abide by at all times. As long as you do not violate the terms of your probation, you will avoid addition legal action. However, if you go against the judge’s orders by failing to abide by any term of your probation, you will be charged with a probation violation.
Types of Probation Violations
A probation violation occurs anytime someone violates a stipulation of their probation. That stipulation could be general or it could be a special stipulation imposed on the defendant by the judge at the time of sentencing. Common types of probation violations include:
- Failing to pay a fine
- Failing to appear in court
- Failing to abide by a court order
- Failing to meet with your probation officer
- Failing to perform community service
- Failing to submit to alcohol and drug screenings
- Actually failing a drug or alcohol test
- Committing another offense while on probation
- Associating with known criminals while on probation
Penalties for a Probation Violation in Alameda & Contra Costa County
If you violate the terms and conditions of your probation, the resulting consequences can, and often are, severe. Although the penalties for a probation violation are left to the discretion of the judge, they are usually much more severe than the original penalties. Most likely, you will be sentenced to the penalties you would have faced if the judge did not impose probation as an alternative. Such penalties include incarceration, higher fines, more hours of community service, extended probation, and driver’s license suspension.
Contact an Alameda & Contra Costa County Probation Violations Defense Lawyer
A skilled and experienced defense attorney is your best hope when faced with probation violation charges. With more than 25 years of experience in criminal defense, attorney Lynn Gorelick is fully aware of the law as it pertains to probation violations in California. Ms. Gorelick can help you present evidence and explain to the judge your reason for your violation in a way that can gain you the most favor from the court. Having your particular circumstances presented in the best light by a skilled and experienced Alameda & Contra Costa County probation violations defense attorney will give you the greatest chance of success. Nothing is more important to Ms. Gorelick than helping people like you avoid the possible adverse ramifications associated with a probation violation.
Do not head to court alone! Contact the Gorelick Law Offices at (510) 785-1444 to find out how you can benefit form the help of an excellent attorney with decades of experience!