Probation Violations Attorney

Strategy Session

While a phone consultation will give you the opportunity to discuss your case with The Law Offices of Howard W. Bailey, we would like to offer you an opportunity to present at no charge or obligation a more detailed written description relaying the facts of your case on our Strategy Session Form page.

Having a Top Criminal Defense Lawyer to Handle Your Probation Violations Can Help Keep You from Being Re-Sentenced

If you violate the terms of your probation, accidentally or willfully, contact New Jersey Probation Violations Attorney Howard Bailey at 973-982-1200 for a free consultation to discuss what your options are to avoid incarceration. As a former county prosecutor, Howard Bailey has the knowledge and the relationships that could be beneficial to you should you need to appear in court. Many times these violations have relatable reasons that can mitigate the violation and avoid the re-sentencing. Don’t rely on defending your position alone. It can cost you far more than the money you believe you might be saving by representing yourself. The phone consult is free, so you are encouraged to call if you have a question on the seriousness of the violation and the penalty you may face.

If you are reading this and are currently  on probation, take it very seriously. Probation is not ‘just a slap on the wrist’; it’s more a second chance. If you violate the probation, the Judge can re-sentence you up to the maximum sentence for the charge for which you were originally given probation. If a Violation of Probation (VOP) is filed against you, immediately consult with me or another experienced criminal defense lawyer to discuss what needs to be done to try to avoid being re-sentenced.

What to Do If You Violate the Terms of Your Probation

Simply stated, you need to develop as many reasons as possible for the Judge to keep you on probation, even if it means that the Judge extends the period or adds additional conditions. In a recent case, Howard Bailey represented a client who never reported, never did the community service, and did not pay the fines. The prosecutor asked the Court to re-sentence the client to prison for the maximum term. Mr Bailey successfully argued that what the client had accomplished since the sentence was imposed outweighed the failure to comply with the conditions of probation. The client was discharged from probation with improvement, and immediately released.

Typical Probation Conditions

When the Judge imposes the sentence, he not only sets the number of years you will need to report, he also sets the conditions you will need to do, to keep your freedom. Some typical restrictions include: getting a job, no new arrests, drug treatment, no alcoholic beverages, and counseling. Complete all of the conditions like payment of fines and community service as quickly as possible, so all you need to do is report.