Violation of Probation

Tampa Lawyer for Violation of Probation Charges

If you’ve been charged with violating your probation, it is imperative that you speak with a violation of probation attorney as soon as possible. The Violation of Probation (VOP) process typically begins when a probation officer discovers a violation, and then files an Affidavit of Violation of Probation, setting forth the specific grounds and circumstances for the alleged violation. The probation officer also files a Violation Report, and typically asks the court to issue an arrest warrant, so that the probationer can be held in custody until he or she appears at a VOP hearing. Though probation officers do have discretion to request a “Notice to Appear” without a warrant, they do so very rarely.

Eventually (usually in a matter of days) this paperwork is submitted to the court and finds its way in front of a judge, who will issue the arrest warrant, directing the sheriff to take the probationer into custody. Judges have the discretion to set bond on these warrants but rarely do so. In fact, bonds are set on misdemeanor VOP warrants very rarely, and almost never on felony VOP warrants.

There are Two Types of Probation Violations

1. Technical Violations: Technical violations typically include failing to report or attend specified appointments, failing to pay fines and costs, and testing positive for narcotics or other prohibited substances.
   
2. Substantive Violations: Substantive violations occur when a defendant already on probation gets arrested or accused of committing a new crime. This is also known as committing a “new law violation.” ​

If you have been accused of violating your probation, you do not have the right to a jury trial. Instead, you can request a probation revocation hearing (aka a VOP hearing) in front of a judge. At this hearing, your guilt only has to be proven by a “preponderance of the evidence.” This means that the prosecutor must prove it is “more likely than not” that you are guilty of a violation—a much lower standard than the “reasonable doubt” standard. Further, at this hearing, you can be called as a witness to testify against yourself. A Tampa violation of probation attorney can help you navigate this daunting system and protect your rights.

Key Points to Remember about VOP Hearings

• No right to a jury trial
• No statute of limitations
• No right to bond while awaiting a hearing
• Hearsay is permissible against you, with a few caveats
• You can be forced to testify against yourself​

In the unfortunate event that you are found guilty of violating your probation, the judge can sentence you to the maximum term imposed by the underlying crime you were originally accused of. Of course, you will be given credit for any time already served on the charge. On the other hand, the judge has discretion to terminate, modify, or revoke your probation as he/she sees fit, under the circumstances. This means that the judge is given wide latitude to make a decision. Often the judge will take into consideration a plethora of factors, including (but not limited to) the seriousness of the original offense, the nature and egregiousness of the violation, your criminal history, any mitigating factors, and the recommendations of both the probation officer, and the state attorney. ​A violation of probation attorney can help you present all of these factors to the court.

If you have been accused of violating your probation, it’s important to seek the advice of an experienced violation of probation attorney. An attorney may be able to secure your release from custody while your VOP case is pending. Further, an experienced Tampa violation of probation attorney can often help you present mitigating factors to the court, and negotiate a more lenient sentence.

Contact a Tampa Violation of Probation Attorney

Attorney William B. Wynne is an experienced and aggressive violation of probation attorney. Consultations are free of charge, and we offer payment plans to those who qualify. Contact us today for your free consultation.