Virginia Beach Attorneys for Violations of Probation
If you have been arrested and charged with violating the terms of your probation in Virginia Beach, you could end up facing further criminal penalties. Probation violations can take many different forms, from failing a drug test, neglecting to show up for mandatory check-ins with your probation officer, or failing to pay restitution on schedule.
Violating your probation is a serious charge, which is why it is crucial to hire a skilled criminal defense lawyer to represent you. At Pincus Goodman, P.C., our Virginia Beach probation violation defense lawyers have a long track record of helping clients successfully challenge allegations brought against them. We will protect your rights, help you navigate through every step of the legal process, and build a compelling defense on your behalf.
Contact Pincus Goodman, P.C., today by phone at (757) 301-9634 to schedule a consultation.
Consequences of Violating Probation Orders in Virginia
According to Virginia Code (§ 19.2-306), courts can revoke the suspension of a sentence at their discretion for “any cause the court deems sufficient” during the probation period. There is a process through which the court can compel the accused person to appear at a hearing. At the hearing, the court will determine whether a violation occurred. If the court decides that probation was violated, they could:
- Require the defendant to serve the remainder of their sentence in prison
- Modify the terms of the probation order by adding new requirements, such as completing community service or approving new restraining orders
- Lengthen the probation period
- Compelling the defendant to pay a fine that had been suspended or spend a short period of time behind bars
If you have been placed on probation, you should always do your utmost to abide by the terms and conditions set by the court. Still, probation violations can sometimes occur, and in some cases, they might be unintentional. There are some possible defenses if you have been accused of violating your probation.
Defenses Against Probation Violation Charges
Some of the potential defenses we could use to defend you against charges related to violating your probation include:
- We could call the credibility of your drug and alcohol test results into question if you test positive during your probation period. We could also potentially advocate for lesser penalties like drug and alcohol counseling.
- We could argue that you did not actually violate the terms of your probation. In some cases, probation violations are falsely or inaccurately reported.
- We might be able to challenge the state’s allegations by arguing that your probation violation was not intentional. For example, if you failed to show up for a scheduled meeting with your probation officer, we could make the case that this was a simple accident.
- If you failed to follow through on paying fines or restitution, we might be able to argue that you had a valid reason for not making payments on time. If you lost a job or suffered a sudden financial loss, we may suggest a revised payment plan that would allow you to meet your obligations under the terms of your probation.
While your defense will depend on a variety of factors, including the evidence presented by prosecutors, these are just a few of the most common defenses used in probation violation cases.
Contact a Virginia Beach Probation Violation Lawyer Today
If you have been charged with a probation violation, contact the Virginia Beach criminal defense attorneys at Pincus Goodman, P.C., by calling (757) 301-9634. If the court determines that you violated the terms of your probation, you could face significant penalties, from an extension of your probation period to jail time and fines. Your best hope for avoiding these harsh consequences is to hire a skilled probation violation lawyer to help you mount a successful defense. Reach out to our office today for a consultation.