Probation is a type of community supervision. The law regarding probation in Florida can be found in the Florida Statutes, Chapter 948, and the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 3.790. There are several things that people may believe about probation in Florida that are somewhat misunderstood.
Often, people who have an otherwise clean record or whose crimes were not especially serious can remain free so long as they meet certain criteria for a prescribed period. This is called probation.
If you face probation in Florida, contact the Bradenton probation violation attorney at the Fowler Law Group for help.
Some Myths Regarding Probation in Florida
Probation Is Getting off Easy
The offender gets to remain free, go to work, provide for his or her family, and maybe pay some restitution for the crimes they committed. Still, the fact is that adhering to the terms of their probation can be difficult for many people. They may include:
- Reporting to the probation department monthly
- Face-to-face meetings with their probation officer (P.O.)
- Submitting to random alcohol/drug screening at their own expense
- Refraining from the use of alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription drugs that aren’t prescribed to them
- Refraining from associating with people or going to places associated with criminal activities
- Refraining from possessing a firearm
- Reporting any contact with law enforcement officers; e.g., riding in a car with someone who gets pulled over
- Driving only to work or school
- If they violate any of these terms, they can be arrested again and charged with Violation of Probation (VOP), which can lead to serious legal consequences
Florida Does Not Give Credit for the Time Spent on Probation
When faced with a VOP, jail time is not limited to the amount of time the person has remaining on his probation. With the help of a good attorney, like a Bradenton probation violation attorney at the Fowler Law Group, some defendants may be able to persuade the Judge to reinstate them to probation if they’ve taken all steps possible to mitigate their violation.
Probation Is the Same as Parole
Probation refers to offenders whom courts place on supervision in the community through a probation agency, generally instead of imprisonment. Parole refers to criminal offenders who are conditionally released from jail or prison to serve the remaining portion of their sentence in the community.
If You Are Facing a Probation Violation in Florida, Let a Bradenton Probation Violation Attorney at the Fowler Law Group Help
Probation is designed to be strict on offenders, yet most people are happy to get probation instead of incarceration. Still, it’s imperative to follow your probation’s court-imposed conditions if you have been put on probation. If you are facing probation, let a Bradenton probation violation attorney at The Fowler Law Group help you deal with your legal issues. Please contact us online.