If you or someone in your family has recently been sentenced to probation after committing a crime, it’s crucial to understand what you can and cannot do under the law. An Indianapolis criminal attorney can help you understand your rights.
Indianapolis Criminal Attorney Explains Probation vs. Parole
To be on probation means that you are able to live at home instead of spending some or all of your sentence in jail. In most cases, individuals that are assigned probation avoid spending time in prison but must live with numerous and specific restrictions.
When someone is on parole, it means that they have completed their time in prison and are reentering society. Like probation, there are some restrictions when you are on parole.
Common Probation Restrictions
When you are on probation, you commonly have restrictions on where you can go, but other restrictions are dependent on the crime committed. People on probation maintain jobs and continue educational programs, but their location may be monitored by GPS. Many times, being on probation includes completing mandatory community service and taking classes or receiving counseling related to the crime. Other conditions of probation include payment of fines, regularly reporting to a probation officer, and obeying all laws.
Consequences for Violating Probation
One of the most common probation violations is missing court dates or meetings with your probation officer. If you’ve been accused of violating your probation, a criminal attorney in Indianapolis can help you understand your rights. While it depends on the severity of the violation, most first-time offenders receive a warning and meet with a judge to discuss the situation. You may have to extend your probation period or complete additional community service. The most serious consequence of violating your probation is spending time in jail. To avoid jail time, it’s essential to work with an Indianapolis Criminal Attorney and follow all directives imposed by the judge.
Contact an Indianapolis Criminal Attorney
If you are concerned about the conditions of your probation, contact Potts Law at (317) 951-0087 or fill out the online contact form to speak with an Indianapolis criminal attorney.
