Tampa Probation Violation Lawyer
Criminal Defense Attorney in Tampa, Florida
Have you been accused of violating the terms of your probation? A probation violation is a serious criminal charge that may result in imprisonment or extended probation. You need an experienced defense lawyer on your side if you have been accused of a violation of probation in or around Tampa, Florida. You have the right to challenge allegations that you have violated probation in some way. Acting quickly and involving an attorney to help you at these legal proceedings may make all the difference in your ability to successfully avoid serious penalties.
Thomas & Paulk, P.A. handles violations of probation (vop) cases for clients throughout Tampa & Hillsborough County. We understand how serious these charges are and believe that individuals who are on probation deserve legal representation if they have been accused of a violation. When you work with a Tampa criminal defense attorney at our firm, you will have a talented legal professional on your side to help fight a conviction and penalties.
Challenging an Alleged Violation of Probation
The process involved with challenging probation violation allegations is different than the proceedings a person charged with a new crime will face. Because you are already on probation, you will have less protection. For example, you will not have the right to a jury trial for your violation hearing. You may be forced to testify against yourself, you do not have the right to a bond while awaiting your hearing and guilt does not need to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. These factors often make it easier for the government to prove that you violated probation.
Although these issues may make your case more difficult to handle, there are effective defense strategies that your Tampa probation violation lawyer can employ to seek a successful outcome. This may include providing examples of your good character, challenging the alleged violation itself or bringing to light a violation of your rights or procedure that occurred in regard to your arrest or the charges of the probation violation itself. Carefully reviewing and investigating your case will enable your attorney to determine the best approach possible.
Violations of Probation in Tampa, Florida
When a defendant is placed on probation in Florida, he or she must abide by specific terms in order to avoid imprisonment and further penalties. Some of these terms may include:
- Reporting with a probation officer at regular intervals
- Attending drug or alcohol treatment/counseling
- Staying away from known criminals
- Keeping a clean record - no arrests or criminal charges
- Abstaining from alcohol and drugs
Violating any of these terms may result in probation violation accusations, and these may be based solely upon a probation officer's account of events. Fortunately, a person on probation deserves due process of the law so he or she can fight probation violation charges. That is where a criminal defense lawyer comes in.
Fighting Your Charges
The lawyers at Thomas & Paulk are standing by to see how they can assist you in contesting your probation violation charges. At our firm, we understand that much is at stake and therefore work to provide personalized attention and one-on-one service to each of our clients. No two cases are the same, and therefore we take care to provide a tailor-made plan of defense for each client - giving him or her the best opportunity of a positive outcome.
Contact a probation violation attorney at Thomas & Paulk today!