Denver Probation Violation Lawyer

If you have been accused of violating the terms of your probation, you are likely facing some harsh penalties, including jail time. Courts often view these cases as you already had a chance at probation, now it is time for jail. Working with an experienced Denver probation violation lawyer will make all the difference. We understand the complex constraints that you have been attempting to live within, and can help you avoid jail, being sent back to prison, or other heavy-handed forms of punishment. Denver probation violation lawyer Reid DeChant at DeChant Law is in your corner.

What Counts as a Probation Violation in Colorado?

Being arrested for a new crime
Failing to report to your probation officer
Failing to pay fines
Failure to pay restitution to a victim
Violating a restraining order
Losing a job and failing to report it to your probation officer
Failing to report a change in housing
Leaving the state without your probation officer’s prior approval
Possession of a firearm
Possession of a controlled substance
Failing a drug test
Failing to show up to or complete court-ordered program

- Anger management

- Drug abuse

- Domestic violence

Working With an Attorney to Set a Bond

Probation violations in Colorado can come to fruition many different ways; via a “no bond” provision, meaning you will not be released from jail after being arrested for the alleged probation violation until a bond amount is decided upon by the court, a warrant may be issued for your arrest with a bond amount attached, or your probation officer may issue a summons where you simply are provided a court date to appear for and are not arrested. Hiring an attorney quickly can help alleviate the pain from the beginning. A Denver Probation Violation Lawyer, like Reid DeChant, could request a bond hearing, could help navigate posting of bond, and can discuss the matter with your probation officer to advocate for the summons so you don’t have to go into jail at all. Then we will explore the allegations with you in addition to begin building a mitigation case to help us seek the best possible resolution for your case.

How a Probation Violation Hearing Differs From a Normal Criminal Trial

While probation violations are often a result of a simple scheduling mistake, and sometimes due to a conflict with a probation officer, a probation violation is still a serious criminal offense, and treated as such. The possible penalties for violating probation are the same as when you were first sentenced. If you plead guilty to DUI were facing up to a year of jail up front but only received probation, if found to have violated your probation, you are facing up to a year of jail. And, unfortunately, a probation violation does not require the same burden of proof that the underlying conviction required. With no jury of peers, you will be at the complete mercy of a judge, who will have much greater free reign in determining what constitutes evidence of the violation than another type of criminal offense. As such, it is vitally important that you are represented by a qualified, experienced Denver probation violation lawyer who is well versed in this type of hearing.

Call a Denver Probation Violation Lawyer Today

Violating probation can result in revocation of probation, being penalized with the remainder of your suspended sentence(being sent back to prison or jail), house arrest, additional fines, community service, and an extension of months or years on your period of probation. In some cases, a probation violation is a minor setback. In others, it means being put back behind bars for an extended period of time, possibly for a simple mistake on your part, or on the part of your probation officer. To talk to an experienced Denver probation violation lawyer about your options for defense during your upcoming probation violation hearing, do not hesitate to reach out to criminal defense lawyer Reid DeChant at DeChant Law today at 303-409-7500 for a free consultation.