Glen Burnie Probation Violation Lawyer

Glen Burnie Probation Violation Attorney

Probation can be a positive outcome in a criminal case, and it may be the best result possible given the offenses you are charged with, the evidence against you, your criminal record and the penalties you could face. Still, probation can be hard to comply with, and you can even be falsely accused of violating probation. Whether your violation was intentional, accidental or unavoidable, or if you are being wrongly accused of violating probation, the consequences of a probation violation can be severe. If you face charges that you violated probation in Anne Arundel, Howard or Baltimore County, call the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA in Glen Burnie, Columbia or Baltimore. One of our experienced and dedicated Glen Burnie probation violation lawyers will take a look at your case and provide individualized legal services to get you the best result.

What is Probation?

Probation is a term of supervised release sometimes granted instead of a jail sentence to a convicted offender, or ordered for a period of time after a sentence is served. While on probation, a set of restrictions will be placed on your freedom for a definite period of time, which may be months or years. Still, probation allows you to avoid jail, where you are free to live and work and support your family.

In Maryland, there are ten standard conditions normally imposed on a probationer, and the judge can require some or all of these conditions when ordering probation. In addition, there are another 24 special conditions that can be ordered depending upon the judge’s discretion and the crime involved, such as being required to appear before a victim impact panel, turn over your firearms or register as a sex offender. The judge in your case has wide discretion in setting the terms of probation. Some of the most common requirements imposed as a condition of probation include:

• Meeting with a probation officer at regular intervals
• Taking drug tests periodically or as required
• Staying within the boundaries of the state or county
• Maintaining regular employment (or attending school)
• Making any required court appearances
• Paying any court fees, restitution or fines

Probation Violations and Your Right to a Hearing

Failing to comply with any of the terms of your probation, such as missing meetings with your probation officer or failing to complete a term of community service, can lead to a charge of probation violation. Committing any new crime or offense, missing child support payments, or failing to pay required court fees on your case, may all be grounds for a probation violation. Your probation officer or the district attorney may revoke your probation and institute a Violation of Probation proceeding if you rack up too many minor violations, or even for just one violation that is deemed major or serious enough.

You have a right to a hearing before a judge on your probation revocation, and you have the right to be represented by an attorney at this hearing. At this hearing, your attorney can argue that the grounds for the probation violation are incorrect, or offer evidence as to why your probation should not be revoked. It is important to hire a qualified and experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney to represent you in a Violation of Probation (VOP) hearing. If the judge decides you violated probation, you can face severe consequences, including:

• Having even more terms and conditions added to your probation
• Having the length of your probation sentence extended
• Being sent to jail to serve out your sentence

Not only could you be sent to jail to serve out your original sentence, you could even be sentenced to a longer term than you originally were, up to the maximum prison term for the original offense. This is why it is so important to have quality legal representation in a VOP hearing. At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, you will find a team of attorneys with decades of experience helping people out of the most difficult legal situations. Let us help you put your best case forward in a Maryland VOP hearing.

Help is Available for Probation Violations in Anne Arundel and Howard Counties

If your probation is being revoked, prepare for your Violation of Probation hearing and present a strong case to get the best results possible. In Glen Burnie or Columbia, call the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA for personalized representation from a Maryland criminal defense attorney dedicated to providing excellent legal service at a reasonable price and achieving results.