You’re probably very familiar with the term “probation,” but here in Texas we now refer to probation as “community supervision.” When you are on community supervision, you must follow a strict set of conditions, which may include submitting to random drug and alcohol tests, maintaining gainful employment, staying within a certain geographical location, not committing new crimes, supporting your dependents, staying away from known criminals, and completing a substance abuse or batterer intervention program. If you violate any of the conditions of your supervision (probation), your assigned probation officer (also called field officer) will most likely write up a violation report, which will be sent to the court probation officer, who will review the report and determine if he or she should file a motion to revoke or adjudicate your probation. Often, what happens next is the judge issues a warrant for arrest on the violation. Depending on your criminal record and the nature of the violation, any of the following may occur:
- Your probation may be reinstated,
- Your probation may be discharged,
- The probation may be reinstated but with modified conditions,
- Your probation can be revoked or adjudicated with an extended supervision period,
- Your probation can be revoked and you can be incarcerated, or
- A combination of any of the above can occur.
If Your Probation is Reinstated with Modified Conditions
If your probation (community supervision) is reinstated with modified conditions, what types of “modified” conditions can you expect? The amended conditions may include:
- Additional fines
- In or out-patient treatment
- Additional community service hours
- Additional counseling or rehabilitation classes
- Time behind bars (sometimes called jail therapy to teach you a lesson)
- Ankle monitoring or house arrest
Sometimes, probation or field officers will arrest someone at the time they report for probation. In such cases, it’s common for POs to put negative comments in the offender’s file. No matter what, it’s important that offenders continue reporting to their PO, even if they post bond for their violation. Our advice is to be proactive about completing one’s counseling, community service hours and payment of fees while they await the hearing on their probation violation. Related: Criminal Record Checks in Texas
Need a Plano criminal defense attorney to represent you at your violation hearing? Contact The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC today for assistance.