For some people, a conviction may still come with another chance at freedom. You might have been convicted of a criminal offense, but you received probation. While you still have a criminal record, probation may give you a chance to keep your job and stay with your family.
So, how does probation work? If you have questions about your probation agreement, follow along below for an idea of what you can expect on probation.
First, keep in mind that probation and parole are different. If you’re out on parole, that means you’ve served a portion of your sentence in jail or prison, but you’ve been released on good behavior. Probation is a sentence that’s served outside of jail.
Usually, you’ll be able to live and work outside of the prison, though you’ll still be under supervision. There may be other requirements, such as anger management classes, rehab, or community service. Your Chicago criminal defense lawyer can tell you what your specific situation will include if you’re facing probation.
Keep in mind, though, that your probation does not mean you’ve simply avoided penalties for a criminal conviction. Probation typically comes at the cost of many of your freedoms.
For example, you may have to give up any firearms or deadly weapons you might have. You may also be unable to enter any businesses that sell alcohol. You’ll also be under supervision by your probation officer, who you’ll need to check in with regularly. If you don’t follow these rules, you could face serious consequences, so reach out for guidance on your case if you have questions.
If you get caught violating your probation, the consequences could be serious. Your probation officer will report you, and you’ll then be put back in jail until your hearing. You’ll have a chance to present your case and prove you didn’t intend to violate your probation. For example, you might have missed a probation meeting because of a medical emergency.
If you’re convicted of violating your probation, you could lose your probation privileges. That means you’ll serve the rest of your sentence behind bars, and you’ll face extra charges for your probation violation. That means you might have a much more difficult time overcoming your conviction and facing your penalties.
If you’re facing a conviction, probation may seem like a great way to avoid a harsh sentence and months or years incarcerated. However, probation isn’t a way to get out of jail free. There are rules, and if those rules are broken, the penalties could be severe.
Luckily, you don’t have to accept those penalties without fighting back. At Chicago Trusted Attorneys™, we understand that mistakes happen, or you may not know how probation will work for you. We offer guidance to our clients, so they know what to expect if they’re on probation.
If you have questions about your case, reach out to us. Give us a call at 312-931-5411 or visit us online for more information.
Whether you have been charged with a serious felony or a misdemeanor, every conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. That's why it's essential to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can prove your innocence. At Chicago Trusted Attorneys, your case will receive the attention it deserves. You can't fight the system on your own, and your future is too important to trust to anyone but the best attorney as you work to build a strong legal defense.... View full business profile here: Chicago Trusted Attorneys
