Any accused individual facing criminal charges in Florida, and the possible penalties and consequences that accompany them, including being placed on probation, probably has a long list of questions. It is important that they understand what they are facing and what probation entails.
Probation is an alternative to incarceration that requires the accused individual to abide by certain court-ordered rules and conditions and be under the supervision of a probation officer. The length of probation an accused individual may be placed on depends on the rules in their state and the nature of the offense but generally ranges from one to three years. Probation conditions can include meetings with the accused individual’s probation officer; community service; refraining from any drug use or excessive alcohol use; avoiding certain individuals and locations; and appearing in court when required.
A probation violation can be serious for the accused individual. If they are accused of violating the terms of their probation that may face their probation being extended or revoked, jail time, hefty fines and additional probation terms being placed on them. If their probation officer decides not to simply give them a warning, a hearing may be held to determine if their probation was violated. During the hearing, the accused individual will have legal rights they should be familiar with.
Accused individuals always have criminal defense protections working for them. No matter where they are in the process, if they have been placed on probation or have been accused of violating their probation, it is necessary for accused individuals to be familiar with their criminal defense rights and how to assert them as needed throughout the criminal justice process which can be daunting at times.
