Probation Violation Defence Lawyers
Probation is a correctional method that allows convicted offenders the opportunity to be supervised in a community environment instead of incarceration, sometimes eligible following a period of imprisonment. In some cases, judges and provincial courts apply their discretion and view probation as a suspended judgment in certain cases. This is considered a second chance for first time offenders. In other cases, probation is also recommended at the end of a jail term if the court feels as though the offender’s rehabilitation would be accelerated in the community instead of under imprisonment.
Accepted as a form of sentencing, probation can be offered by a judge when an offender has committed crimes under a certain category of severity. The judge may recommend that the criminal offender make restitution to the victim, or simply perform community service as part of his or her punishment. The judge may also require that the offender attend treatment for alcohol or drug problems or to accept counseling on mental health concerns or social skills.
Life Happens, Haryett & Co. will defend your probation violation
If you or someone you know is on probation, the assigned probation officer may accuse you of violating your probation. If a violation of probation occurs, there may be a warrant filed for your arrest. This will result in your requirement to appear in front of the court for a probation violation hearing. Because violations of probation can carry heavy penalties in Saskatchewan, a Criminal Defense Lawyer can help you understand the probation violation and advise on your options within the provincial courts.
Types of Probation Violations
Our experienced criminal defence team at Haryett & Co. is has the background and skill to plead your case with confidence and certainty when defending your dui probation violation, juvenile probation violation or any felony probation violation. There are several reasons that a probation officer may accuse a convicted offender of violating probation terms. In some instances an offender broke a “technical” probation term or condition, or even committed a new crime. A few examples of “technical” violations can include changing one’s residence without prior approval, failure to pay fines, or failing to report for regularly scheduled counseling sessions or probation meetings. Our probation violation defence lawyers at Haryett & Co., understand that life gets in the way sometimes and a simple parole violation does not mean that you are not on your way to rehabilitation.
In the case of your first violation of probation and you are accused of a “technical” violation, your probation officer may offer a warning instead of filing an arrest warrant. However, Saskatchewan probation officers do have the authority to file an arrest warrant when they feel a parole has been in violation.
If you are concerned that your actions may lead to an affadavit for your arrest – contact our legal team at Haryett and Co. immediately so we can help you plan your next move. When a warrant is issued for your arrest, it may include an amount of money that can be paid for your release called a probation violation bond. On misdemeanor warrants, a bond amount is usually listed immediately. However, in felony / indictable offence warrants, you will be arrested and booked; at which point you are detained until a judge makes a decision on setting a bond value.
A criminal lawyer can be prove to be extremely valuable during this stressful time. When a probation violation bond has been set, a lawyer can help arrange your surrender to the authorities. In the case of a felony probation violation, your lawyer can help arrange your surrender to the court, and request for a bond to be set for your release.
Contact a Saskatoon probation violation lawyer that you can trust
If you have violated the terms of your probation on a technicality or by committing a new crime, consult with our criminal defence team and plan your next move to help communicate with the court for your best interests. The probation violation lawyers at Haryett and Co. can help minimize the damage which could mean the difference between staying free or serving significant jail time. Contact our lawyers immediately.
