Probation Violations Attorney In Raleigh, NC

Chris frequently handles probation violation cases. When a judge suspends a sentence so that the defendant does not have to serve the jail or prison time, the judge places the defendant on probation. This suspended sentence and period of probation allow the defendant to avoid an active sentence. There are two types of probation in North Carolina: unsupervised and supervised. Probation violations rarely ever occur in cases where the defendant is on unsupervised probation. In contrast, probation violations occur frequently when the defendant is placed on supervised probation. Supervised probation involves the defendant having a probation officer, being subject to warrantless searches and drug tests, having restrictions on his or her travel, paying supervision fees, and not possessing a firearm, among other limitations on the defendant’s liberty.

Probation violations arise for a variety of reasons, some of which are more serious than others. Minor and technical violations include failing drug tests, missing visits with your probation officer, and failing to pay court costs, fines, and fees. While we do need to take these violations seriously, Chris often resolves these issues without the Defendant suffering significant consequences. The two most serious probation violations are new criminal charges and absconding. Absconding means that the defendant has left the jurisdiction without permission or that the defendant has not made himself or herself available for supervision. These violations can result in the revocation of the defendant’s probation and the activation of the suspended sentence. Although we should take all probation violations seriously, Chris takes special care with violations involving new criminal charges and absconding.