Probation Violations and Petitions to Revoke Probation

If a person is convicted of a crime that does not result in their going to state prison, then they are normally placed on probation. Probation may be formal/supervised or informal/summary depending on the severity of the offense. Usually when a judge places a person on probation a certain amount of jail or prison time is “stayed” pending the successful completion of probation. Additionally, probation is often accompanied by certain terms and conditions of probation which may include obeying all laws, doing community service, attending a class, abstaining from alcohol, etc…

If a person is believed to have violated a term of their probation, then a petition to revoke their probation will be filed with the court and the probationer will be arrested and/or given a court date. A defendant in a probation revocation proceeding or “VOP” does not have the same rights as a criminal defendant facing new criminal charges. Contact Sacramento Felony and Misdemeanor Lawyer Jonathan Turner for more information about your rights if your probation is being revoked.

The consequences of a probation revocation can be quite severe. They may include a lifting of the stay on the original jail or prison sentence and thus the defendant is looking at time in custody. On the less severe end, probation revocation may include a lengthening of the initial probationary period and/or additional terms and conditions of probation. It is important to note that any probation revocation will negatively impact the probationer’s chances of getting their criminal record expunged. Sacramento Expungement Lawyer Jonathan Turner can explain the process of expunging a criminal record.

In sum, if you are dealing with a probation revocation (“VOP”) issue, it is in your best interest to contact Sacramento Criminal Defense Lawyer Jonathan Turner for a free consultation. Sacramento Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Jonathan Turner may be able to keep you from going to jail or prison.