Can a Probation Violation Be Dismissed? The Short Answer Is: Yes. The Longer Answer Is: It Depends.
If you’ve been placed on probation for a criminal offense, that isn’t necessarily the end of the road. If your probation is violated, you might be wondering, “Can a probation violation be dismissed?” It’s true that there can be serious consequences, and you could wind up with a longer term of probation, more conditions, or even the prospect of jail time. Don’t let that happen to you!
If you have been found in violation of your probation, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. If you are located in Worcester County, our team of criminal defense attorneys is highly experienced in building aggressive and successful defenses. Call us today at (508) 570-3037 for a free consultation.
What Is a Probation Violation?
When you’re placed on probation, you’re given a list of things to do and not to do, such as paying fines, completing classes, and performing community service. You also have to stay out of trouble and not pick up any new violations of the law. Any of these could be used by your probation officer to file a violation with the court.
If this happens, it’s important to understand what could happen to you. It could be nothing, if the violation was minor and you’ve been doing well, the probation officer or prosecutor might dismiss the violation on their own. But you have rights if your probation has been violated, and it’s vital to have someone on your side who understands and will protect those rights.
You Have Rights
If your probation has been violated, you have almost as many rights as when you were first accused of a crime, including a right to a hearing in front of the judge. The prosecutor would have to prove the violation in a hearing in front of the judge, and if the judge felt the prosecutor didn’t make his case, the violation would be dismissed.
An experienced criminal lawyer can guide you through this process, cross-examine the prosecutor’s witnesses, and argue on your behalf in the hearing.
How Can a Probation Violation Be Dismissed?
Your attorney may be able to come to an agreement about having your violation dismissed without having a hearing. It may be as simple as talking with the prosecutor and explaining how well you’ve done on probation up until now and this was just a minor slip-up.
What is important is to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side from day one, someone who knows the ins and outs of probation and how to get your case dismissed.
So can a probation violation be dismissed? Every case and every violation is different, so it’s vital to have the best on your side.
If you have been charged with a violation of probation, reach out to our team of experienced professionals for a free consultation on how to get that violation dismissed today at (508) 570-3037.
Let the experienced professionals at Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP help you get your probation violation dismissed.