A Strong Advocate in Your Corner
When probation officers say they have "violated" a probationer — the description is strangely accurate. Being accused of probation violation — when you are trying to rebuild your life after a criminal conviction — can feel like a major violation and intrusion into your life.
If you have been arrested by your probation or parole officer for violation of the terms of your probation or parole, seek legal counsel. The same advice holds true if you have received a surrender notice in the mail. In many ways, a strong defense in probation violation cases is even more important than in the original case. Criminal court judges do not like to be wrong, and they often handle probation violation cases very sternly. The probation officer's and criminal court judge's view may be that you violated a sacred pact with the criminal justice system and should suffer the serious consequences you were able to avoid in the first instance.
Attorneys Hartman, Chartered is a father-daughter law firm that has operated in south Jersey as a family owned business since 1981. From our office in Moorestown, we offer our criminal defense clients a calming combination — personal service from a seasoned criminal lawyer plus aggressive and strategic defense. Contact us to schedule an appointment. We make jailhouse visits when necessary and the first consultation is free of charge.
Investigation Into the Probation Violation Charge
The probation revocation or surrender hearing is not a formality. It presents a real opportunity to argue your version of events and attempt to restore your probation term. To prepare for the probation violation hearing, we investigate the circumstances that led to the probation violation charge. We interview witnesses and review reports to find reasonable explanations for the reasons your probation is being revoked:
- Failure to make court-ordered restitution: Are you experiencing financial hardship but making a good-faith effort at payment?
- Leaving the state against your probation terms: Did you have an important reason to do so without first telling your probation officer?
- Failing a urine or blood test: Was the testing equipment in good repair and operated by a licensed professional? Is there some other reason that signs of prohibited substances would appear in your system?
- Contact with a victim: Was the contact a willful act or a true accident?
No matter what the reasons are for the alleged probation violation, we will conduct an independent investigation and seek information to convince the court that you did not, in fact, violate the terms of your probation.
You worked hard to preserve your freedom when you were originally charged with a criminal offense. Do not give up your freedom without a fight. Consult an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after being charged with probation violation. Contact Attorneys Hartman, Chartered today to learn how we can help.