How Can I Avoid Probation Violations in the Future?
If you have been placed on probation, you may feel relieved that you get to serve your time in the community rather than behind bars. You may think that your worries are over by merely glancing at your probation conditions, without taking them seriously. This is certainly not the case; what you may consider a minor violation could revoke your probationary status and force you to serve the remainder of your sentence or the entirety of your original suspended sentence in a jail cell. At Ryan Beasley Law, our Spartanburg criminal defense lawyers are here to assist you in navigating the terms of probation.
Know Your Probationary Conditions
The exact conditions of your probation will depend on your case, but common ones include:
- Reporting to your probation agent as scheduled
- Paying fines, restitution, and supervision fees
- Completing community service hours
- Refraining from the use of controlled substances or drinking alcohol to excess
- Submitting to routine drug/alcohol testing
- Not possessing any firearms or dangerous weapons and refraining from associating with persons with a criminal record or other persons as instructed by your probation agent
- Remaining within the state unless given travel permission
- Completing programs (i.e., anger management, substance abuse treatment, etc.) as ordered
- Avoiding new arrests or law violations
Develop a Positive Relationship with Your Probation Agent
One of the most important things you can do is develop a positive relationship with your probation agent. Your probation agent has a great bearing on your criminal case, acting as the court’s eyes and ears. Although you must never miss a meeting with your probation agent, if something comes up, inform them of the situation; don’t just no-show. The relationship goes both ways, so it’s important to keep your contact information up to date with your agent if you move or anything changes.
Assume You Will Be Drug/Alcohol Tested
While some drug/alcohol testing may be scheduled, others may occur at random. Assume you’ll be tested and refrain from consuming alcohol and using recreational substances. While some South Carolina probation orders permit alcohol in moderation, others ban alcohol entirely, so don’t consume alcohol unless you are sure it’s allowed.
Pay Your Fines and Restitution
The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS) typically requires restitution payments to be made every month. SCDPPPS can only enforce restitution payments if a judge has ordered it as part of your sentence. Failure to pay fines and restitution is a leading cause of violations, so you must contact your probation agent to arrange a payment plan if you are unable to pay them.
Get Permission Before Traveling and Don’t Associate with Anyone on a No-Contact Order
Get written permission before leaving the state. If you do travel out of state without the agent’s permission, a judge may issue an arrest warrant. Being out of state does not circumvent your probation conditions, so do not communicate with any people that your agent has instructed you to avoid. This includes in-person, as well as contact via e-mail, text, and social media. Being out of state does not suspend a non-contact condition.
Practice Law-Abiding Conduct
Unfortunately, even minor infractions such as a traffic ticket or public intoxication can trigger a violation. You want to do anything to avoid attracting unwanted attention from the police, so if you have a burnt-out headlight, replace it immediately. Treat any interaction with law enforcement as a high-stakes matter.
Contact Our Spartanburg Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you have been accused of violating a term of your probation, Ryan Beasley Law is here to help. For 25 years, our legal team has assisted individuals who have ended up on the wrong side of the law, and we are eager to assist you. To schedule your free consultation with one of our Spartanburg criminal defense lawyers, our office can be reached online or by calling (864) 756-4204 today.