Probation is an alternative to imprisonment, allowing people convicted of crimes to remain members of society provided that they comply with supervision and other conditions. If you are fortunate enough to receive probation following a conviction, you could end up in prison anyway if you violate the terms. Nevertheless, that fate may be avoided if you have competent legal representation. At Kevin L. Collins, P.C., my decades of experience as a prosecutor and defense counsel gives me an edge in helping alleged probation violators avoid going to prison due to unfortunate mistakes or misunderstandings.
Persons under probation typically must comply with these conditions:
A probationer may also have to perform community service and pay fees or fines imposed by the court.
When I succeed in getting probation for one of my clients, I explain all the requirements and conditions and answer any questions the client has about how to complete probation successfully.
The state may move to revoke your probation if you are alleged to have violated any of its conditions, in which case you will face a probation revocation hearing in court. The judge may order you jailed pending the hearing, possibly without bail.
At the hearing, the prosecutor needs to prove a probation violation only by a preponderance of the evidence, a much lower standard than beyond a reasonable doubt, which is required to convict someone of a crime. That means, for instance, that if you are accused of a crime while on probation but are acquitted, your probation might still be revoked. If you are found guilty of a probation violation, you might be required to go to prison for the crime for which you were on probation in the first place.
Because your freedom is at stake and the prosecution’s burden of proof is low, you need a skilled and effective criminal defense attorney at your side throughout the process. I have decades of experience handling probation revocation hearings. My inside knowledge of the system, based on my years as a prosecutor, gives me an edge in developing and presenting the best defense to the allegations. If you allegedly committed a new offense, I might be able to work out a plea bargain that addresses both the probation violation and the new crime in a single sentence.
If you are charged with violating your probation, reach out immediately to Kevin L. Collins, P.C. in San Antonio, Texas. Contact me online or call me at 210-598-8629.