Fort Bend County Probation Violations Attorney

Defending Clients Who Have Violated Their Probation in the Greater Houston Area

If you have violated your probation, you could face more serious or additional penalties. At The Sims Law Firm, PLLC, we have handled many cases where individuals violated probation by mistake. Our Fort Bend County criminal defense attorney has extensive experience in the criminal justice system. As a former prosecutor, he is a unique perspective on how the opposition may approach your violation.

Have you violated the terms of your probation? Call The Sims Law Firm, PLLC, today at (713) 766-1445 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our probation violation lawyer in Fort Bend County.

Types Of Probation Violations

Probated sentences can be from anywhere between 6 months and 10 years. During that time, a judge has placed restrictions on an individual for what they can and cannot do. Often those restrictions are not necessarily criminal actions. A judge may prevent someone on probation from socializing with a particular group of people or even limit their radius of permitted travel. Over the course of one to three years, some people on probation lose track of their limitations and may mistakenly violate their probation.

Our criminal defense attorney has found the most common reasons for probation violations include the following:

• Failing drug tests
• Visiting certain people
• Committing other crimes
• Failing to pay fines and fees
• Getting arrested for another offense
• Traveling out of state without permission
• Failing to appear at a scheduled court date
• Using or possessing a controlled substance
• Failing to report to an assigned probation officer at the designated time and place

Probation Officer and Courts Discretion

If your probation officer believes you are violating your probation, the officer has a lot of discretion in determining what happens next. Depending on the violation and your previous record, the probation officer may recommend only having you admonished by the court and/or possibly modifying your conditions of probation.

The probation officer may also recommend having your probation revoked. If that is the case, the Court has broad discretion as to what occurs next. The Court can do anything from modifying the terms and conditions of your probation to revoking your probation and sentencing you to jail or prison. Unlike a trial where the prosecuting attorney has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed a crime, in a probation violation hearing, the prosecuting attorney only must convince a judge by a preponderance of the evidence that there was a probation violation has occurred.

How an Attorney Can Help with a Potential Probation Violation

Facing a potential probation violation can be a daunting and stressful experience. The consequences of a probation violation can be severe, ranging from extended probation periods to significant jail time. Engaging an experienced probation violations attorney can make a crucial difference in how your case is handled and its eventual outcome. Here are several ways an attorney can assist:

• Legal Representation and Advocacy: An attorney will represent your interests in court, advocating on your behalf. They will present a strong defense, challenging any weak evidence and ensuring that your side of the story is heard.
• Navigating Legal Procedures: The legal system can be complicated and intimidating. An experienced attorney understands the intricacies of probation violation cases and will guide you through each step of the legal process.
• Gathering Evidence: Your attorney will help gather any necessary evidence that can support your case. This can include documentation, witness testimonies, and any other relevant information that can demonstrate compliance or any mitigating circumstances.
• Negotiating with Probation Officers: A skilled lawyer can effectively communicate with your probation officer to negotiate more favorable outcomes, such as an admonition or modifying the terms of your probation rather than revoking it entirely.
• Reducing Penalties: In the event that a violation is undeniable, an attorney can work to minimize the penalties you face. They can argue for alternative penalties that may be less severe than jail time, such as community service or rehabilitation programs.
• Providing Peace of Mind: Knowing that an experienced professional is handling your case can provide significant peace of mind during a stressful time, allowing you to focus on compliance and other personal matters.

By working with a qualified probation violations attorney, you can significantly improve your chances of a more favorable outcome and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.

Contact Our Probation Violations Lawyer Today

If you have been accused of violating the terms of your probation in Fort Bend County, Texas, don't hesitate to reach out to our probation violation lawyers at The Sims Law Firm, PLLC, for help. Our experienced probation violation lawyers are here to help you navigate the complexities of the legal process and to fight for your rights. The knowledge and expertise we have on our side will help you achieve the best possible outcome, regardless of whether you are facing a technical violation or an alleged new offense. To learn more about how our team can help you with your probation violation case, contact us today!

Contact The Sims Law Firm, PLLC, today to get started on your defense with our Fort Bend County probation violations attorney.