What Happens if I Violate My Probation Order?

You may feel relieved and grateful that the Tennesse criminal court ordered you to a probationary period rather than jail or prison time. Well, the best way to express gratitude is to abide by your probation’s enforced terms and conditions. This may be in your best interest, as you may face serious punishments and penalties otherwise. That said, please read on to discover what happens when you violate a probation order and how one of the seasoned Clarksville probation violation lawyers at Fendley and Birch can help you avoid its consequences.

How might I accidentally violate my probation order?

It may be easier to slip up and accidentally violate your probation’s terms and conditions than you initially anticipate. For one, during this sensitive time, you should surround yourself with people who respect you and the restrictions you must abide by. In fact, it may be part of your probation order to stay away from certain individuals or places.

So, it may be a bad situation if you get in the passenger seat of someone’s car, and they drive you to a location where you are not supposed to visit or to the residence of people you are not supposed to see. Or otherwise, if they drive you outside your jurisdiction or Tennessee state lines, which directly violates your travel restrictions.

In another example, it may be easy to forget about your scheduled, mandatory appointment with your probation officer if you do not diligently mark it in your calendar or otherwise set up reminders. If you have a valid reason for missing it, you must effectively document it and call your officer in advance to politely ask for a reschedule.

It is also a mistake to think that having one drink won’t hurt you even with the alcohol restrictions on your probation order. This is because even if you do not have an upcoming appointment with your officer, they may randomly ask you to submit to alcohol testing. Even one alcoholic drink may have you fail this test.

What is the consequence of violating my probation order?

Probation officers typically hold a zero-tolerance policy for probation violations. So, if you violate your probation order, they may use their discretion for whether or not to file a complaint with the Tennessee criminal judge who initially handled your case. If they do so, the judge may order a summons for a court appearance or even a warrant for your arrest.

Similarly, the judge may not sympathize with any excuse you offer for violating your probation’s terms and conditions. In a worst-case scenario, they may order you to serve the original sentence they initially suspended when placing you on probation. This may mean serving time at a county jail or state prison, among other harsh penalties. At the very least, you may be able to walk away with a modified probation order with stricter restrictions.

No matter what, you do not need to feel alone in this process. One of the competent Montgomery County criminal defense lawyers is ready to be in your corner and support you throughout. So please reach out to Fendley and Birch whenever you are ready.