Probation, or “community supervision,” is an alternative to jail that is sometimes an option for minor or first criminal offenses in Houston. Probation typically consists of following a set of agreed terms for a specified period of time. The terms of a probation agreement can include: committing no crimes, meeting with a probation officer, restrictions on travel (such as travel limited to one’s county), drug testing, drug treatment, and paying fines / restitution. A probation revocation occurs when one fails to follow any of the agreed upon terms of probation. At this time generally a warrant will be issued for one’s arrest. It is important to note that often, if a bond is set, the bond for a probation violation will be significantly higher than the original crime.
Penalties for Probation Violation
Probation violation can result in serving jail time (with a deferred adjudication resulting in one serving the maximum allowed sentence for the convicted crime – including any crimes committed per violation) as well as further penalties and marks on one’s legal record. Because of this it is important to discuss one’s situation with an experienced defense lawyer as often there is negotiation available even on a probation revocation.
Houston Probation Violation Attorney
Often the terms of probation can be difficult to meet and The Haggard Law Firm understands that accidents do happen. As such, if you or a loved one’s probation has been revoked, contact Houston criminal defense attorney Carl Haggard at (832) 328-0600 or use the short email form for a free confidential consultation. Carl has over 30 years of experience helping the people of Houston and Harris County against prosecution and after your case evaluation our legal defense team will analyze all options available for and fight for you.
Our Probation Violation Case Results
Texas Probation Resources
- Understanding Probation vs. Deferred Adjudication
- Clearing Your Record / Expunctions
- Harris County Community Supervision Department