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Probation Violations

Posted On: June 12th, 2015   |   Posted by: Luftman, Heck & Associates LLP

In Ohio, the courts take probation violations quite seriously. That’s why it is so important for you to take the conditions of your parole seriously. A substantive parole violation (being accused of another crime) can quickly land you back in prison. Even minor technical violations, such as changing your address without permission, failing to pay a fine or being late for a probation meeting, can send you back to jail.

That’s why an accusation of any parole violation should be taken just as seriously by the parolee. Some of the most common parole violations you can be cited for in Columbus include:

  • Failure to appear at a scheduled court appearance at the correct time,
  • Failure to report to your parole officer as instructed,
  • Non-registration of a change of address or employment,
  • Non-payment of sentenced fines or restitution,
  • Travel out of state without your parole officer’s permission,
  • Non-completion of court-ordered classes or treatment, such as alcohol or drug addiction treatment, anger management counseling, parenting classes, or remedial driving courses,
  • Violation of a court order, such as a terms of a domestic violence order,
  • Failure of a drug or alcohol test,
  • Association with known criminals,
  • Failure to register as a sex offender, and
  • Arrest or conviction of a new offense.

What Happens If I’m Accused of a Parole Violation?

If you are accused of one of these violations, you have the right to a hearing to determine the punishment for said violation. Generally, any accusation is substantiated in the courts’ view, as a parole violation hearing only requires a “preponderance of the evidence” that a violation has occurred. Unlike criminal trials, your guilt does not have to be proven “beyond a reasonable doubt,” but rather simply that it is more likely than not that you violated probation.

This means that a conviction of a probation violation requires less evidence than other criminal convictions. For this reason, it often helps to have Columbus criminal attorney present your case who can either demonstrate your innocence or argue a strong case for leniency. Otherwise, you are most likely going to end up back in jail.

Some of the common punishments for a conviction of a probation violation in Ohio include:

  • Community service,
  • Rehabilitation,
  • Counseling,
  • Fines,
  • Increased probation, or
  • Revocation of parole and return to jail.

You may even face additional charges or added jail time in certain cases. Probation violation hearings are nothing to scoff at. They can have a huge impact on your quality of life. Let a Columbus criminal attorney help argue your case. You may be able to get off with as little as a warning.

If you have been accused of an Columbus parole violation, call the experienced parole lawyers at Luftman, Heck & Associates at (614) 500-3836 right away for a free consultation. Let us help you protect your rights and ensure the best outcome possible for your case.



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