How Serious is a Probation Violation in Texas?
Are you currently on probation — known as “community supervision” under Texas law — after being convicted of or pleading guilty to a criminal offense? If so, your sentence of community supervision came with a series of conditions that you are required to comply with in order to complete the terms of the sentence. If even one condition of probation is violated, you may be looking at serious penalties. While it might not seem like such a big deal in theory to make a mistake and miss one of the conditions of probation, or to be facing a probation violation, the consequences may be more serious than you think. Our Texas criminal defense lawyers can explain in more detail.
Understanding Probation, or Community Supervision
In order to understand the seriousness of a probation violation — and the need for help from a criminal defense lawyer if you are facing allegations of violating the conditions of your probation — it is important to understand when Texas law allows a person to be placed under community supervision. Under Chapter 42A of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, community supervision is defined as “the placement of a defendant by a court under a continuum of programs and sanctions, with conditions imposed by the court for a specified period.”
A person can be placed under community supervision as part of a sentence for a criminal conviction or a guilty or nolo contendere plea, and often in these situations, placing the person under community supervision also involves the suspension of the person’s sentence. In other words, a person may be placed on probation — i.e., under community supervision — instead of serving a jail or prison sentence, but with the understanding that failing to comply with the conditions can result in the sentence no longer being suspended.
Consequences of a Probation Violation
The consequences of a probation violation can be serious, so it is critical to defend against these allegations.
Depending on the details of the case and the violation, consequences may include but are not limited to:
- Your community supervision being revoked, and your having to serve a jail or prison sentence;
- Your community supervision being extended, sometimes for additional years; or
- More conditions added to your community supervision.
To avoid having any consequences of a probation violation, it is essential to show that no violation occurred. A criminal defense attorney in Texas can assist you.
Contact Our Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys for Assistance with Your Probation Violation Case
Are you facing allegations of violating the terms of your probation after a criminal conviction in Texas? It is essential to have a criminal defense attorney in Texas represent you. Even if the alleged violation seems relatively minor, the penalties could be severe. In the most serious probation violation cases, the person can end up having their probation revoked and they can be required to serve a jail or prison sentence. Do not hesitate to get in touch with one of the experienced Texas probation violation lawyers at John Reed, Attorney at Law for assistance defending against probation violation allegations. Contact our firm today to learn more about how we can help you.
Source:
statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/CR/htm/CR.42A.htm
