Probation allows those who qualify to serve suspended sentences without incarceration in exchange for following all the terms set by the probation. Most people consider probation a far better option than spending time behind bars, but probation violations can lead to serious consequences, which makes it important to have an experienced Greenville criminal defense attorney in your corner from the start.
Probation in South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services guides the state probation process. If you receive probation in South Carolina, you’ll be sentenced to a jail or prison term that will be suspended in exchange for you meeting the probation conditions set for you, which can include all the following:
- Regularly reporting to your probation officer
- Maintaining a regular job
- Having a stable home address
- Notifying your probation officer regarding any job or address changes
- Performing community service
- Submitting to random drug and alcohol tests
- Allowing your probation officer to make home visits
Failing to comply with these terms or committing a crime while you’re on probation is considered a probation violation, which can translate to serious consequences for you.
Next Steps
If you’re accused of a probation violation, you’ll face a revocation hearing, and your probation officer will serve you with a warrant for violation of probation prior to the hearing. At this point, you’ll face arrest, but you may be able to secure your release until the time of the hearing by posting a bond.
At your revocation hearing, you can deny the probation violation charge or admit your guilt. Denying the charge entitles you to a full revocation hearing, which means that your knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can cross-examine any witnesses the probation officer calls and can call witnesses on your behalf. If, on the other hand, you admit to the probation violation, you will have the opportunity to explain any mitigating circumstance – or circumstances that tend to lessen your liability – to the presiding judge.
Ultimately, the judge handling your hearing has considerable discretion when it comes to determining if you are in violation of your probation terms and determining what the consequences will be if you are.
Potential Consequences
If you are found in violation of your probation terms, the potential consequences include:
- The length of your probation can be extended.
- Supervision requirements can become more extensive.
- The potential to be put on house arrest.
- You may be required to serve the amount of time left on your sentence behind bars.
Having trusted legal guidance on your side can make a serious difference in the outcome of your revocation hearing.
Make the Call to an Experienced Greenville Criminal Defense Attorney Today
The resourceful Greenville criminal defense lawyers at Ryan Beasley Law will unleash the full force of their impressive experience and legal skill in their tireless efforts to help ensure that the probation violation charge you face won’t set you back in terms of your record, your freedom, or the requirements you face. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 864-362-2352 today.
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