If you violate the terms of your probation in Texas, you could face serious repercussions. Depending on the severity of the violation, breaking the rules of probation can lead to revocation and other punishments.

Contact a probation violation attorney in Houston, Texas if you think you violated the terms of your probation or are considering doing something that you are not supposed to do while on probation. Attorney Mekisha Jane Walker will work toward minimizing the punishments you could face for violating the terms of your probation.

As a former Assistant District Attorney and Felony Prosecutor for Harris County, Mekisha Jane Walker knows what it takes to fight a probation violation. Walker Law Office represents clients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding counties, including Harris, Brazoria, Galveston, Fort Bend, and Montgomery.

Ways Probation Can Be Violated

Some actions and behaviors could constitute a violation of the terms of your probation. The rules of probation differ from one case to another and depend on the severity of the offense. Probation violations in Texas can include:

• Failing to report to your probation officer
• Committing another criminal offense
• Failing to pay the probation fee
• Failing to attend mandatory classes
• Leaving the county or city without obtaining the approval of your probation officer
• Failing to maintain employment
• Testing positive for illegal drugs
• Failing to appear for a court date

If you did something that might constitute a violation of the terms of your probation, consult with an experienced attorney to promptly handle your case and prepare you for your probation revocation hearing.

How Common Are Probation Violations?

According to the Texas Center for Justice and Equity (TCJE), over 23,000 individuals in Texas had their felony probation revoked in 2018 alone. Of those, nearly 94% of individuals were sent to jail or prison for violating the terms of their probation. Of those revocations, almost 12,500 accounted for technical violations such as failure to pay probation files.

What Happens if Probation is Violated?

The judge may issue an arrest warrant once an individual violates the terms of their probation. Whether or not an individual will be arrested for violating their probation depends on the severity of the violation. The defendant might need to seek the legal counsel of an experienced attorney to request a bond for the warrant. What happens after the arrest depends on the type of the underlying offense as well as the severity of the probation violation.

Possible Probation Violation Penalties

Punishment for violating the terms of probation depends on the type of violation. For minor or technical violations (e.g., failure to pay fees), a defendant is merely issued a warning. For severe violations, the defendant’s probation is revoked, which results in a jail or prison sentence.

In addition to penalties for probation violations, a defendant who commits a new criminal offense can face punishment associated with the new crime. For example, if you violate the terms of your probation by being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will face penalties for violating probation.

Just because you were accused of violating the terms of your probation does not necessarily mean that you cannot defend yourself against the accusations. Contact a skilled probation violations attorney in Houston, Texas, to help you preserve your freedom and avoid other potentially serious consequences.

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