Fort Lauderdale Criminal Attorney

Probation Violations

Probation violations are serious crimes. Unfortunately, many people commit these crimes on accident or due to a long set of unforeseeable circumstances. If you have been accused of probation violations, your best chance of fighting the charges is by working with a top Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney.

If you are found guilty of a probation violation, you may be sentenced up to the maximum penalty for the crime you were originally convicted of. While no one likes probation, it certainly is an improvement over lengthy prison terms. Your Fort Lauderdale criminal lawyer will help you demonstrate the violation was not worthy of an extended sentence by showing the progress you have made during your probationary period.

Proceedings for probation violations are much different than those for criminal trials. Since the criminals have already been convicted, they are not permitted certain constitutional rights. Defendants may be made to testify against themselves and have no rights to trial by jury. Hearsay is admissible in these hearings and you will not be permitted to seek bail. Most importantly, your guilt does not have to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Because of these challenges, it is recommended to only work with a Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney with experience helping people accused of probation violations.

While most probation violations are technical, in that the defendant broke a rule of his probation, some of the violations are the result of the defendant committing an entirely new crime. In these situations, you are well advised to work with a skilled Fort Lauderdale criminal lawyer who can defend you in your probation hearing and in trial for the other crime.

At the Stella Law Firm, we understand the difficulties probation places on a person. Our crime defense in Florida will do everything possible to help you fight your probation violation charge. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our top legal team.