Penalties for Violating Probation in Metro Detroit

Probation may not take a criminal conviction off your case, but it can make it possible for you to focus on your family and your future. If you receive probation, you may be able to live at home and work as usual, as long as you don’t violate your probation agreement. 

But what if you’re accused of violating probation? 

The penalties for violating probation in metro Detroit can be steep. Because of this, you may not need to fight to protect your probation alone. If you’re facing potential penalties for a probation violation, reach out for help from a dedicated Metro Detroit criminal defense lawyer. 

What Counts as Violating My Probation in Metro Detroit? 

When you agree to probation, you’re accepting an alternative to jail or prison time. Typically, this means you’ll agree to certain condition, and in return you avoid spending months or years in jail or prison. 

These agreements can vary based on your case, but you may be expected to give up any firearms you own, or you may need to attend counseling for substance abuse or mental health issues. You may also be expected to perform community services for a set time.

If you’ve been accused of violating your probation, it may be because you failed to do one of these things. For example, your probation officer may have noticed a firearm in your home while meeting with you about your probation. In these cases, your probation officer may report the violation, and you’ll need to attend a hearing about your case. 

Penalties for Probation Violations

Although your probation agreement can help you maintain your quality of life, your probation can be revoked at any time. If you lose your probation, you may be sent to jail or prison to serve the rest of your sentence. Michigan judges often respond harshly to a probation violation, as probation is a privilege. Because of this, you could possibly face heftier fines in addition to your sentence. 

If the probation officer claims you were breaking your probation agreement, you may be taken to a hearing, in which the violation will be discussed. You and your metro Detroit lawyer can defend your case at this time, providing evidence that you weren’t breaking your probation. Your lawyer’s guidance may be key to avoiding time in jail and harsher punishments for a probation violation. 

How a Metro Detroit Probation Lawyer Can Help 

When you’ve been accused of violating your probation, you could lose the rights and freedom you had because of your probation. Losing those privileges can impact you, your job, and your family. Because of this, you may need someone on your side before you arrive at your probation hearing. 

The lawyers at the Schwartz Law Group are here to help you protect your probation and the privileges you may have on probation. To get help protecting your probation agreement and dispute your probation officer’s account, call 248-930-5019 or fill out the online contact form below.