Parole Violation Lawyers in Jacksonville Helping You Defend Your Case

If you have been arrested in Jacksonville, Florida, you may have been put on parole or probation as one of the terms of your release or punishment. Unfortunately, the terms of parole can often be confusing, and a violation of probation or parole can lead to some harsh consequences, up to and including a prison or jail sentence.

Hiring a law firm with years of experience handling parole violations is your best defense strategy if you’ve been accused of a parole or probation violation in Jacksonville. Contact Weldon Law Group, PLLC for a free consultation with a probation violation lawyer by calling 904-204-3420.

What is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?

Parole is typically granted after an individual has served part of a jail sentence already. They may get out of a jail sentence or prison sentence early for good behavior or other reasons. Typically, an individual will be put on parole for a set time so they can serve the rest of their sentence in the community.

Probation is typically granted to an individual who has been found guilty of a criminal offense but would like to avoid jail time or a prison sentence. The individual may serve some jail time and then be put on probation after a probation hearing, or they may serve no jail time at all.

Whether you have been accused of violating probation or parole, a Jacksonville probation violation lawyer can help you today.

How Does the Florida Probation System Work?

The terms of probation in Florida can be different and are usually unique to the individual.

However, there are some common factors that your parole or probation may include, like:

• Sobriety
• Mandated curfew
• Completion of drug and alcohol testing
• Scheduled meetings with a probation officer

Violating probation or parole can lead to consequences, and can even lead a judge to revoke probation or parole. Unfortunately, it is common for individuals to violate probation accidentally or without their knowledge. Seeking legal representation is the best way to defend your rights and protect yourself against any alleged violation of probation.

What Are the Different Types of Probation in Florida?

Depending on the nature of the criminal case, the age of the individual, and several other factors, there are a few different types of probation that the legal system uses in Florida.

The different types include:

• Community control: controlled custody of an individual within a community, typically overseen by an administrative officer. Community control may require the individual to pay a monthly fee.
• Administrative probation: a lighter form of probation that does not require reporting or contact, typically because the individual is not seen as a threat to their community.
• Sex offender probation: probation that may include electronic monitoring, mental health evaluations, registering as a sex offender, and more.
• Mental health probation: a unique type of probation that combines mental health evaluations with the individual’s unique needs.
• Drug offender probation: harsh supervision that typically involves random drug testing as well as completion of a drug and alcohol program.

Understanding the unique guidelines of your probation is the best way to avoid being accused of a probation violation.

What Are the Conditions of Parole in Florida?

Parole and probation conditions depend on the individual and the charge. However, there are some common conditions that offenders will likely have to meet in the state of Florida.

These conditions can include:

• Participating in random drug and alcohol testing
• Repaying financial losses suffered by the victim(s) of the criminal charges
• Staying or living within a specific geographical location
• Living without participating in criminal activities
• Participating in random home visits from a probation officer
• Reporting to a probation officer
• Supporting any legal dependents
• Not associating with known criminals
• Working at a designated location
• Participating in community service
• Paying off debts to a medical or detention facility
• Paying off any debts owed to the state of Florida

How do I Successfully Complete a Period of Probation or Parole?

In most cases, Florida law states that those under probation or parole cannot be monitored for more than two years unless the court mandates it. If an individual can successfully meet the terms of their probation or parole for two years (or for the court-mandated time period), they will likely no longer be charged for the original criminal offense.

It is also possible for an individual to terminate their probation or parole early if the court allows it. Typically, this will be granted if the individual meets the terms of their probation or parole without any violations for an extended period of time.

What Happens if I Violate Probation or Parole?

Any assumed violation of probation or parole will likely result in an arrest. If an individual has violated the terms of probation or parole, a law enforcement officer can arrest them without a warrant in place.

After an arrest, the court will inform the individual about their violation of probation and may order them to appear before the court that granted their probation or parole in the first place. Depending on the severity of the initial criminal offenses and the violation of probation, the individual may be released without bail, released with bail, or ordered to serve jail or prison time. The court may also order the individual to attend a probation violation hearing.

The court may also revoke, modify, or reinstate the probation or parole order. If the individual was not already under community control, the court may order the individual to participate in a community control program. For felony offenders and registered sex offenders, the court will decide whether or not the individual poses a threat to society before determining whether to revoke or modify the parole or probation order.

If the parole or probation order is revoked or modified, it’s likely that the court will not allow an individual to get credit for any programs or terms that were already completed.

How Can a Parole Violations Lawyer Help Me?

Probation violation cases are unfortunately common. Probation violations and parole violations often happen unknowingly or accidentally, but they can lead to severe consequences. Hiring a probation lawyer can help you protect your rights and potentially maintain your freedom.

The legal team at Weldon Law Group, PLLC is prepared to help you defend yourself against an alleged violation of probation or parole. For a free consultation, call 904-204-3420.