If you were convicted of a crime in Ohio, you might be granted probation time instead of other harsher penalties, like imprisonment. Probation allows individuals a significant amount of freedom, compared to other potential penalties, though a probation sentence still follows several strict rules.
If you violate the terms of your probation, you could wind up facing serious penalties, such as imprisonment, additional jail time, an extended probation period, and other criminal charges. To learn more, read below:
About Probation
Probation is a type of punishment that mainly includes community supervision, and is typically assigned in lieu of imprisonment. The ultimate goal of probation is to encourage individuals to follow law-abiding lifestyles. In most cases, probation is granted to individuals who confess or enter a guilty plea to misdemeanor offenses, but other circumstances might also warrant a probation sentence.
Probation sentences often a show of good faith by the court, revealing a certain amount of trust in the individual’s ability to avoid further offenses or crimes.
Someone under probation is typically required to meet with an assigned parole or probation officer on a regular basis. These visits may occur every week or month, depending on the court’s orders, and can also include home visits. Probation might also require the individual to maintain steady employment, complete court-ordered community service, avoid illegal substances, and pay any applicable court fees.
Common Probation Violations in Ohio
There are several different rules that can be applied to probation sentences, so it is absolutely crucial for someone under probation to understand the specifics of their punishment.
Some of the most common probation violations include:
- Associating with anyone with a criminal history, especially other people on probation
- Committing another crime
- Failure to check in with a probation officer
- Failed drug tests
- Failure to submit to a drug or alcohol test
- Failing to register as a sex offender
- Failure to pay applicable court fees or restitution
- Failure to perform community service
- Failure to attend mandatory counseling sessions
- Failure to obtain or maintain appropriate employment
Individuals under probation might also face legal consequences if they fail to stay within the geographic area outlined in their probation guidelines. For example, someone under probation might be prohibited from leaving the county they live in, or from crossing state lines.
Most people on probation are also prohibited from carrying firearms, and are held to all other legal obligations, such as restitution fees, child support payments, and so on.
The Penalties for Violating Probation
If you violate a probation order, you could find yourself facing serious legal repercussions. Ohio probation violations can warrant an arrest and may also result in additional charges. In some cases, those caught violating probation may face the maximum punishment for their original offense, or they may face new charges in addition to the original offense. Also, the time already served on probation may become null, and the probation violation could affect any hopes of an expungement later on.
Were you arrested for violating probation? If you need help after a probation violation, make sure you speak to a knowledgeable, seasoned criminal defense attorney at our firm.
Contact Hartwig Law LLC to discuss your juvenile case with our Youngstown criminal defense lawyer.