There are various consequences associated with a criminal conviction. Some of the most common penalties include time behind bars, expensive fines, damage to personal reputation and more. One of the most common is probation, which is a sanction ordered as part of a defendant’s sentence to take place for a specific amount of time. Probation is a period of court-ordered supervision, and a judge may order a person on probation to avoid certain behaviors or places.
Violating probation is a serious offense, and it could result in additional penalties. To avoid the complications associated with a probation violation, you will benefit from knowing what to avoid and how you can shield your interests. Probation involves both state and federal laws, and it is something to take seriously.
The actions that could be a violation
If the court has convicted you of a crime, it is possible that you could face the requirement of probation. This typically only lasts for a few months, but it could last for years, depending on the nature of the crime. As this is a significant issue that could affect your movements, options and freedoms after a conviction, you will benefit from knowing what actions violate probate. These can include:
- Failure to appear to your probation officer at the required time
- Failure to appear in court for a mandated appearance
- Not paying fines or restitution as mandated by the court
- Using, possessing or selling illegal drugs
- Going out of state without permission
- Visiting or contacting certain people without permission
- Committing other crimes
- An arrest for a new offense, even if it is not a criminal offense
There are different potential penalties for violating the terms of your probation. In most cases, it could include jail time, but it could also include an extension of the probationary period or additional requirements for probation.
Defending your interests post-conviction
Your future interests are at stake while you are on probation. If you have violated the terms of your probation order for any reason, you will benefit from learning how you can navigate this situation. There may be mitigating circumstances for which a Minnesota court may view a violation as less severe than a blatant disregard for the requirements. You will find it helpful to take immediate action to seek guidance and counsel as soon as possible after experiencing a problem during probation.