Understanding Probation Violations In Georgia

In 2018, an estimated 4.5 million adults in the United States were under community supervision (probation or parole). Probation violations in the state of Georgia often come with serious ramifications, including fines, jail time, or the possibility of longer probation. Possible violations include failure to report to a probation officer, failure to pay fines, failure to abide by court-ordered counseling, or failure to pass a drug test.

If you’ve been charged with a probation violation, consulting with a knowledgeable Georgia probation violation attorney is crucial to building your defense. Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Harold J. Cronk, PC, can protect your rights and determine your best defense strategy. We proudly represent clients in Savannah, Tybee Island, Garden City, Port Wentworth, Pooler, Chatham County, Georgia and the surroudning counties.

Probation in Georgia

In Georgia, probation is often used to punish someone guilty of an offense without having them incarcerated or in order to reduce their incarceration period. Probationers are assigned to a probation officer who oversees their case and with whom they are required to check-in at regular intervals. A probation officer may also visit the probationer at their home or other location to verify that the terms of probation are being met.

Georgia probation laws generally require that the probationer:

• avoid injurious and dangerous habits;
• avoid persons or places of disreputable character;
• maintain or seek suitable employment, where possible;
• stay within a specified location (such as a city or county);
• pay restitution for damages per court orders;
• avoid violating local, state, and federal laws;
• conform to rehabilitation tests and evaluations;
• wear a tracking device; and
• complete required substance abuse or mental health treatment.

Those convicted of sexual offenses may face additional requirements.

Probation Violations and Punishments

There are four main categories of probation violations:

• Technical Violation – Occurs when a probationer fails to follow one of the general rules of their probation such as failure to report to their probation officer. A technical violation may incur a punishment of revocation of up to 2 years confinement.
• Special Condition Violation – Occurs when a probationer fails to follow a special condition rule of their probation. A special condition may have been assigned to the probation where the court felt the need for extra emphasis. A violation of a special condition may be punished by revocation of the full balance of probation to prison.
• Misdemeanor Violation – Occurs when a probationer commits a misdemeanor offense while on probation. In addition to the punishment that results from the crime itself, the probationer may receive a maximum punishment for the probation violation of revocation of up to 2 years confinement.
• Felony Violation – Occurs when a probationer commits a felony offense while on probation. In addition to the punishment that results from the crime itself, the probationer may receive a maximum punishment for the probation violation of revocation of the full balance of probation or the maximum that could be received on the felony charge to confinement, whichever is lesser.

Why Legal Counsel Is Important

Failure to report to your probation officer or comply with your probation terms and conditions is a serious violation that can lead to severe penalties. If you are facing probation violation charges, it is crucial to consult with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney immediately to build your defense.

At the Law Offices of Harold J. Cronk, PC, our attorneys have devoted their careers to providing strong representation in probation violation matters. As your legal counsel, we will protect your rights and carry out a thorough investigation. We will strategize an effective defense to establish a strong case and attempt to refute the charges against you with overwhelming evidence. With our team on your side, you can anticipate the best possible outcome in your probation violation case.

Experienced Probation Violation Attorney in Savannah, Georgia

Have you been charged with a probation violation? Call the Law Offices of Harold J. Cronk, PC, today to schedule a one-on-one case evaluation. Our attorneys will fight aggressively to have the charges against you dismissed and attempt to keep you out of jail. We are proud to serve clients in Savannah, Chatham County, Tybee Island, Garden City, and Port Wentworth, Georgia. Call us today to speak with a knowledgeable Georgia criminal defense attorney and increase your chances of a favorable outcome.