Probation Violation Attorney in York, Pennsylvania

Probation is a common alternative sentencing option given to individuals who have been found guilty of a crime. The length of the probation period can range from a few weeks to many years, depending on the type and severity of the underlying offense. During this period, the individual is closely monitored and must comply with a number of court-ordered rules and conditions. Failure to comply with those rules and conditions can result in probation violation accusations.   

If you have been accused of violating the terms of your probation, you will need to speak with an attorney. Our criminal defense attorney at Korey Leslie, Attorney-At-Law, LLC, understands the serious nature of these accusations and will fight tirelessly to keep you out of jail and mitigate other penalties. Our law firm is based in York, Pennsylvania, but we also serve clients in the surrounding area, including Harrisburg, Camp Hill, and Lancaster.  

Common Ways Probation Is Violated  

Probation can be a blessing for those who have been convicted of a crime but do not want to spend months or years behind bars. However, you must abide by certain conditions set by the court during the period of your probation. If you don’t, you can face unpleasant punishments, including being sentenced to jail or prison. Depending on the rules and conditions of probation, there are many ways probation may be violated. The most common ones include: 

• Failure to meet with a probation officer. 

• Failure to report to a probation officer. 

• Failure to pay fines or restitution. 

• Failure to undergo alcohol or drug testing. 

• Testing positive for alcohol or drugs. 

• Abiding by the curfew. 

• Visiting certain people or going to certain places. 

• Traveling outside a specified area without permission. 

• Failure to complete community service. 

• Getting arrested or being charged with a crime. 

You should carefully read the conditions of your probation to ensure your compliance with all the conditions set by the court. If you are being accused of violating your probation, consult with an attorney. Our results-driven probation violation attorney at Korey Leslie, Attorney-At-Law, LLC, can help strategize your defense and ensure that your rights under the law are protected. 

Types of Violations  

There are two types of probation violations you may be accused of:  

1. Technical violations occur when you fail to follow some “technical” rules or conditions of your probation but do not engage in any criminal activity. Common examples of technical violations include missing the curfew, failing to meet with a probation officer, not getting a job, and others.  

2. Substantive violations, on the other hand, are more serious in nature. These violations occur when you commit a new criminal offense while being on probation and can lead to several negative consequences, including the revocation of your probation, penalties for violating the terms of probation, and prosecution for the new crime.  

Regardless of the type of violation, you will want to speak with a probation violation attorney in York, Pennsylvania, to explore your options for mitigating or avoiding the penalties.  

Consequences of Probation Violation  

Judges in probation hearings have a lot of discretion when it comes to imposing penalties against someone who is accused of violating probation. When considering the appropriate punishment, judges will look at a number of factors, including: 

• The type of the violation (technical vs. substantive);  

• The seriousness of the violation;  

• Whether it is the accused’s first violation; and, 

• The length of the probation sentence served.  

When a probation hearing is held, the judge will review all the evidence presented against the probationer and listen to the probationer’s arguments before making a decision. Some possible outcomes of this hearing include:  

• The revocation of probation. 

• The extension of the probation sentence. 

• The imposition of additional conditions. 

• The modification of probation terms and conditions. 

• The imposition of statutory maximum penalties. 

• The order to perform additional community service. 

Everyone’s situation is unique, which is why you need to get legal counsel from a probation violation attorney to strategize your defense. Our attorney at Korey Leslie, Attorney-At-Law, LLC, can review the facts of your case and explain what you can do to achieve the most favorable resolution in your probation violation case.