Probation Violation Lawyer Serving Atlanta, Georgia

A probation violation is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. At The Law Offices of M. Ballard Mitchell, we understand that complying with your probation can be difficult and that a single misstep can land you in trouble with the law. Probation violation lawyer Megan Ballard Mitchell provides thoughtful and effective legal representation to people accused of violating probation. She can analyze your situation, provide thoughtful and strategic legal advice, and develop a plan to minimize the consequences of an alleged probation violation. Depending on your circumstances, she can mount an aggressive defense to explain why you did not violate the terms of your probation or work with the judge and the prosecutor to describe the steps you have taken to prevent a future probation violation and explain why the probation violation will not happen again.

How Do You Violate Probation?

A probation violation occurs when a person breaks the conditions of their probation or parole. A criminal defendant can be placed on probation as part of their sentence, often instead of serving time in jail. When the judge sentences someone to probation, they impose strict requirements that must be followed. A probation violation occurs when a person does not follow one or more of the terms of their probation.

Certain terms of probation are common in most criminal cases. But the judge can tailor the terms of your probation to the circumstances of your case and can set nearly any condition as a term of probation. If you break the terms of your probation, you could be charged with a new crime for probation violation.

Some of the most common probation violations include:

  • Missing a court hearing
  • Failing to attend a meeting with your probation officer
  • Failure to complete court-ordered community service
  • Not attending a court-ordered treatment program, such as a substance abuse program, alcohol abuse program, or treatment program for sex offenders
  • Visiting people or places the judge told you to avoid
  • Not paying restitution
  • Traveling out of state without permission from your probation officer
  • Failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements, if you were convicted of a sex crime
  • Violating the terms of a protective order or restraining order
  • Failure to maintain gainful employment
  • Failing a drug or alcohol test
  • Committing another crime

The consequences of a probation violation can be severe, and allegations that you violated probation should not be taken lightly. If you have been charged with a probation violation, you should contact an experienced probation violation lawyer as soon as possible.

The Law Offices of M. Ballard Mitchell can represent you in your probation violation hearing and work to minimize the consequences of an alleged probation violation.

What Is a Parole Violation?

Parole and probation are similar in that both sentences involve a criminal offender serving a portion of their sentence in the community. Unlike probation, which is ordered by the judge and imposed instead of prison, parole is a form of supervised release that is ordered by the parole board and occurs after a defendant has already served some time in prison.

In both situations, the offender must comply with the conditions set by the judge or parole board, and violating those conditions can lead to additional criminal charges and penalties.

How a Probation Violation Lawyer Can Help

If you were charged with violating parole or a probation violation, the consequences could vary based on the severity of the violation and the nature of the underlying offense. You may be arrested and ordered to appear at a probation violation hearing, where the judge will hear evidence to determine whether you violated your probation. If you are found guilty, the judge can impose various penalties, such as adding time to the period of your probation, imposing new conditions of probation, or revoking your probation and sending you to jail.

To avoid the most severe consequences of an alleged probation violation, turn to Atlanta probation violation lawyer Megan Ballard Mitchell. Ms. Ballard Mitchell will carefully analyze your circumstances and provide advice on how best to proceed. Sometimes, the best choice is to acknowledge that you violated probation, explain why it occurred, and describe the steps you are taking to prevent a probation violation from happening again. Other times, you will need to mount a vigorous defense explaining why you did not violate the terms of your probation.

The Law Offices of M. Ballard Mitchell can provide advice on handling allegations of a probation violation with your probation officer to minimize the consequences of a probation violation. Ms. Ballard Mitchell can also represent you in court.

Contact Probation Violation Lawyer M. Ballard Mitchell

To learn more, contact a probation violation lawyer at The Law Offices of M. Ballard Mitchell today.

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