Probation Violations

If you are on probation in Massachusetts you know what it’s like when your freedom is on the line. Being placed on probation is essentially a second chance whereby you can prove to the court that jail time is not necessary in your case. In Massachusetts, probation is given to nonviolent offenders who have plead or been found guilty of their charges. This second chance often comes with conditions and if you violate your probation in any way you may face jail time. If you have violated your probation in any way, you should contact Attorney Kevin R. Collins and schedule a free consultation.

Examples of Probation Violation

In Massachusetts, you may violate your probation by doing any of the following:

• Failing to attend a scheduled court appearance
• Failing to show up at a scheduled meeting with your probation officer
• Engaging in criminal activity
• Engaging in drug-related activity (possessing, selling, or distributing illegal drugs)
• Failing to pay court-ordered fines
• Traveling outside of Massachusetts without seeking permission from your probation officer
• Failing a drug test
• Failing to pay any court-ordered restitution (compensation) to victims
• Going anywhere near the places or individuals from which you are restricted
• Failing to complete community service hours
• Failing to report any changes in home address or employment
• Possessing a firearm or weapon
• Failing to attend or complete a program ordered by court (anger management counseling, mental health treatment, domestic violence program, alcohol safe driving enhanced supervision program, AA meetings, etc)

If you violate any of the rules above, or others, your probation officer will file an affidavit with the court. Then, you will be scheduled to attend a hearing during which your probation could be revoked. If the court finds you guilty of violation probation, you will most likely be re-sentenced. That is why it is so important to be represented by a skilled probation violation defense lawyer. You do not want your existing probation period to be extended, have more jail time added to your probation, or worse, have your probation revoked and spend months or years in prison.

Why You Need a Defense Attorney Experienced With Probation Violations

The second chance that is probation can be taken away from you immediately at the slightest violation of your conditions. A violation of your probation may carry a jail sentence. Having an attorney who is experienced in probation violation hearings may make the difference between you serving the rest of your probation out of custody or in jail. Attorney Kevin R. Collins has handled countless probation violation hearings and is well suited to represent you to the fullest.

Contact Attorney Kevin R. Collins

You can contact Attorney Kevin R. Collins here for a free case review. Attorney Collins serves the entire Eastern half of Massachusetts.