At Lotze Mosley. LLP, our criminal defense attorneys in Maryland and Washington D.C. understand that when our clients are placed on probation for any reason, they have been given the gift of freedom — instead of jail time — that comes with specific conditions that will allow them to maintain their independence.
Probation can last for several months or many years depending on the severity of the case. When our clients are placed on probation for a felony, the restrictions imposed by the judge will be more demanding and must be followed to avoid the alternative: Jail time.
If you have questions about your current felony probation or are worried you have violated the terms and may be facing jail time, contact our criminal defense attorneys today, so you are not left facing the judge alone.
What is Probation?
Probation allows the offender to be released from detention, subject to a period of supervision and good behavior, and is designed to help reduce the likelihood of a repeat offense.
Probation means the court has decided to suspend the incarceration of the individual for a specific period on the condition that, going forward, the person is law-abiding and successfully complies with other terms and conditions imposed by the court.
What are the Conditions of Felony Probation?
Offenders who are placed on felony probation must adhere to strict terms and regulations that are decided by the judge overseeing their case.
When a person fails to obey the terms of probation, including missing an appointment with their probation officer, their probation may be revoked, and they can be ordered by the court to fulfill the original sentence.
The conditions of felony probation include a combination of:
- Community service
- Drug and/or alcohol education, when applicable
- Fines
- Jail time
- Restitution for damages
- Regularly scheduled meetings with a probation officer
- Routine drug testing
- Prohibition from certain activities or relationships
When each of these conditions is met without violation, the individual and their defense attorney will confirm with the court that the probation contract was successfully completed.
What Happens if I Violate My Felony Probation?
The result of a person who violates their felony probation depends solely on the severity of the violation.
Repeated violations, or a substantial violation of the terms of probation may result in the being sentenced to prison for the original crime.
If you are arrested and charged for a new criminal offense, no matter how small, it could result in enduring the balance of time you could originally have been sentenced.
Each jurisdiction in Washington D.C. and Maryland has its own practices and procedures, but neither should be faced without an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side.
If you have been placed on felony probation in Washington D.C. or Maryland, contact our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Lotze Mosley, LLP today by calling (202) 393-0535 to discuss your case and learn how we can help you navigate your probation terms to avoid jail time, or defend any violation the court may impose.
