People with Probation Issues in More Than One County - How To Respond

Although probation is considered a grace sentence, it is one that comes with a lot of responsibility. Defendants are required to comply with conditions that may be hard to fulfill when enduring financial or personal setbacks. But most importantly, probation is a conditional sentence. Once a judge has determined that a violation has occurred, the sentence may be revoked, and a defendant is left to face the reinstatement of their original charges.

If you have multiple probation issues in more than one county, the steps you take in response to these issues could prevent you from suffering serious ramifications. Here are a few pieces of advice that you should consider:

Report the incident

This is an important time for you to remember the terms of your probation. You, along with most defendants, are likely ordered by the court to report any new arrests or run-ins with law enforcement within a given timeframe. Despite how frightened you may be of the consequences, it would be in your best interest to be the first one to report the bad news to your probation officer.

We do not live in the olden days when criminal records in other counties require actual effort to access. In modern times, databases are developed, detailed and pretty easily accessible. This means that the prosecutors in the county you were arrested, and your probation officer will likely find out before the time you are required to let them know. In many cases, a probation officer will receive notice of your arrest, refuse to tell you, and just arrest you when you show up for your periodic appointment.

Failing to report an arrest within the given timeframe is a separate violation, and sends a message to the authorities that you are not trustworthy. Biting the bullet for now could make a bad situation less severe in the long run.

Contact an attorney

Contacting an attorney is the single most important response to any issues that arise during probation. Whether it be a an arrest for a new crime, or you have failed to comply with one of the conditions of your term, an attorney can help resolve these issues before they warrant serious repercussions.

Being accused of violating probation can lead to a series of issues that you want to avoid at all costs. Once your probation officer receives notice of an alleged violation, a warrant will put be put out for your arrest, and once you've been arrested, you'll be issued a detainer. A detainer bars you from posting bail and being released from jail until the violation has been mitigated.

With the help of an attorney on your side, these issues can be alleviated. They can convince the judge to not issue a warrant for your arrest, and file a motion to lift a detainer once you are in police custody. If you've acquired new charges, an attorney can build a solid defense for your case, vouch for a reduced sentence or get your case dismissed altogether.

Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Attorney

As you can see, an alleged probation violation is damaging. If you are on probation and are experiencing issues in different counties, working with our team can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Contact us today for help.

Contact Us Today!

The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

Menu