Being put on probation is an alternative to spending time in incarceration. It gives you the opportunity to show to the officers of the law and the judges that you’re willing to make a change in your life to avoid going to prison or jail. Probation can also happen prior to incarceration depending on the situation. It’s an opportune time to demonstrate how you can follow the rules without violating the terms of your probation. It’s very easy to violate probation and it’s a very fragile situation. If you don’t follow the rules rigorously, you’ll find yourself needing to fight for your future.
At Roselle & Breitigam, P.C., one of our focus areas is probation violation and revocation. We help those who have violated their probation. Our defense attorneys are experienced, knowledgeable, and reliable. We are ready to advocate for your rights by fighting for your future. If you’ve found yourself in a situation where you’ve violated your probation, then take the time to schedule an appointment with one of our defense attorneys.
EXPECTATIONS WHEN YOU VISIT YOUR PROBATION OFFICER
If this is your first time on probation, then you’re probably not sure of what to expect. Even though you fought hard to avoid going on probation and you tried everything possible to avoid the situation you’re in, you need to face the music. Probation is a sticky situation and you should take the time to learn as much about it as possible to ensure you avoid violating the guidelines.
In today’s blog, we’ll be going over what you should expect when you visit a probation officer for the first time. You might not know what awaits you, but with our assistance, we’re able to help you prepare for your first visit to your PO. Remember, if you have any concerns about meeting with your probation officer, you should take the time to talk to your defense attorney.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTS
Yes, you’ll be expected to take a drug and alcohol test. You’ll be tested for illegal substances not just at the first meeting, but every single meeting that you come to. Whenever you visit your probation officer, make sure you are prepared to be tested. If you violated your drug or alcohol terms, then be honest with your probation officer. By being honest, you’re volunteering as an act of good faith to show that you’re willing to cooperate. Every time you see your probation officer, he or she will ask if you’re clean and if they should expect anything to be detected. By being honest, you’re demonstrating that they can trust you. Your PO wants to trust you, so by showing that you’re honest, they’ll be much more likely to see you in a good light.
PAY SOME FINES
In addition to getting tested for drugs and alcohol, you’ll also be expected to make some payments on the fines you might owe. When you violate the law, you’ll be expected to make some payments on your fines. You probably have periodic payments for your fines and many courts will make you pay those. When you visit your probation officer for your meeting, they will probably ask you to make a payment for the fine. You might also have other payments you need to make such as fees, restitution, and payments that are related to probation. With technology, it’s easier to pay these fees and fines, but your PO will still remind and expect you to make some payment toward what you owe.
YOU’LL BE QUESTIONED
When you visit a probation officer for the first time, you should expect to be questioned about various factors. For example, as we covered above, you’ll be asked about any recent drug or alcohol use. You’ll also be expected to answer questions that are connected to the treatment you might be going through, whether you’re participating in what the court ordered, and inquires about your home life and your employment. Your PO might even ask you how you’re handling the probation. The questions are standard to get a handle on how you’re dealing with the situation and if you’re following all of the rules. Additionally, if the court ordered you to do something, then the probation officer is checking in to ensure that you’re following the necessary treatment. Furthermore, the probation officer wants to gauge your home and employment life to ensure that everything aligns up with the terms of the contract you’re following. You might not think the information isn’t any of his or her business, but to ensure you’re following the rules it actually is.
RECOMMENDED READING
- What Happens When You Violate Probation?
- I Was Put On Probation, What Does This Mean?
- Top 4 Most Common Ways Probation Is Violated
When you’re on probation, you want to make sure that you’re protected and you know what to expect. The first meeting with a probation officer might be scary and make you uncomfortable, but he or she is just doing your job to make sure that you have a bright future ahead of you.
