Avoiding a New Jersey Probation Violation
According to the U.S. Probation Office – District of New Jersey, a probation violation in New Jersey can adversely impact a person’s criminal record and can result in imprisonment.Unlike parole, defendants usually receive probation if they have completed a county jail sentence, entered a guilty plea and negotiated a probation sentence, or if a judge decides to provide probation in lieu of jail time.
A criminal defendant is eligible for probation based on a number of factors determined by the judge, including the previous criminal history and the severity of the crime committed. Probation can be negotiated by attorneys who hold highly experienced representation of criminal defendants.
On the other hand, a defendant is considered on parole, after having completed a state jail sentence following a conviction in court. Like parole, probation requires that a defendant fulfill certain legal commitments and conditions as determined during a defendant’s sentencing.
These legal conditions may include attending court appointed visits, checking in with a probation officer, abstaining from consumption of alcohol, entering a drug rehabilitation center, and any other conditions negotiated by a defendant’s attorney with the judge.
The best way to avoid a probation violation is to fully educate yourself about the terms and conditions of your probation. Defendants should also follow the 4 steps below:
- Learn the name of your probation officer and determine the meetings with him or her.
- Be courteous towards your probation officer, since they are responsible for reporting your progress and adherence to the conditions of your probation.
- Determine the length of your probation sentence. You will want to know when your probation begins and when it ends.
- Fully comply with special conditions of probation such as driver’s license suspension.
Even with the best efforts at following the rules of probation, defendants can still violate the terms of their probation, either accidentally or unknowingly. In either case, the New Jersey probation violation defense attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein work hard to provide legal defenses that accurately position our clients in the best possible light before a judge. If you have been accused of a probation violation, call one of our attorneys immediately at 609-240-0044.
