If you have been accused of violating the terms of your probation, you need to mount a strong defense to avoid prison time. If you have violated your probation, have been falsely accused of violating, or have any reason to believe that your probation officer will soon report you for a violation, you must take immediate action to protect yourself.
If you or someone you care about has been charged with violating your probation in Media, PA or anywhere in the Delaware County area, our experienced probation Criminal Law Team is here to help.
Media/Delaware County Violation of Probation Attorney
Our Criminal Law Team has nearly two decades of experience working in various roles in the Pennsylvania justice system. Our Criminal Law Team knows that probation requirements can be onerous and difficult to comply with, especially when obstacles such as transportation issues, finding childcare, and more get in the way.
If you have been charged with a violation of probation in Delaware County, Pennsylvania and need a comprehensive defense, contact the LLF Law Firm. Our Criminal Law Team built our practice on the ideals of customer service and justice and we will fight for your rights and freedom. Call 888-535-3686 today to schedule a consultation and discover what our Criminal Law Team can do to help you avoid incarceration.
Delaware County Court Process
If you are on probation in Media or surrounding areas, you will be working with the Delaware County Adult Probation & Parole Department. Delaware County Adult Probation and Parole Services supervises, counsels, and refers to treatment those adults or court-certified juveniles sentenced to county probation, parole, Intermediate Punishment or those placed on the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program (ARD).
If you are arrested or have been summoned for a violation of probation case, the case will be scheduled for a formal hearing at the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas located at:
201 W Front Street
Media, PA 19063
20
Violation of Probation
Pennsylvania law governs probation violations in 234 Pa. Code Rule 708. These violations typically take one of two forms: technical violations and substantive violations.
A technical violation is a failure by the person on probation to comply with one of the conditions imposed upon him or her by the court. These are the most common, and can easily be accidental or inadvertent. This is not technically an excuse, but Courts can be more forgiving when presented with the right legal defense.
Many times the conditions of probation can include appointments requiring travel. Depending on the terms of your probation, you may need to report for drug screening, counseling, substance abuse support groups, or more, all in one week. Access to transportation, health issues, and other life obstacles can get in the way of compliance. An experienced attorney can help present the argument that you were attempting in good faith to comply with the terms of your probation.
A substantive violation occurs when there is any violation of:
- a court order
- municipal ordinance
- county or state law
- federal law
during the time a person is on probation. These types of violations can be treated much more seriously. Not only will you face the possible penalties associated with your new charge, but you could face penalties related to your probation violation as well.
Examples of Probation Violations in Delaware County
Most probation violations are technical, because violations of the court order are the most typically violated. Every person's conditions can be different, so it is crucial to know your specific requirements.
Common violations include:
- Changing your address without permission of your probation officer
- Consuming an alcoholic beverage
- Failing to report to your probation officer as mandated by your probation officer
- Failure to complete required community service hours in the time required
- Failure to report to your probation officer as mandated by the court
- Failure to pay fines, costs, and restitution as ordered by the court
- Leaving the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania without your probation officer's permission
- Changing your employment without your probation officer's permission
- Using, possessing, or selling any controlled substance
- Possessing any firearm, ammunition, or other deadly weapon
- Failure to successfully complete treatment programs ordered by the court, such as
- Anger management classes
- Domestic batterers intervention program
- Father's group counseling
- Alcohol safe driving program
- Drug or alcohol evaluation and treatment
- Sex offender program
- Mental health treatment
Probation Violation Process
The first stage of the probation violation process is the Gagnon I Hearing. This commonly referred to as the "detainer hearing." These hearings determine if there is sufficient probable cause to justify violation allegations against you. At this same time it will be determined whether or not you will be detained between then and your second hearing. A designated hearing officer hears the case at this stage, and makes the decision. An attorney is permitted and encouraged at this stage, as it can all end here if possible.
The second stage is called the Gagnon II hearing, or the "VOP hearing." This is the final probation hearing process is your last chance to defend yourself against probation violation claims. The judge presides over this hearing, and the prosecutor will present evidence against you. This hearing proceeds more similarly to a criminal trial, but has a lower "preponderance of the evidence" standard used to prove the charges against you. this is much lower than the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard in an actual criminal trial.
It is crucial that you have a highly experienced attorney at both proceedings. There are defenses to probation violations, and many can be worked out with proper explanation and negotiation.
Media Probation Violation Defense Lawyer
If you have been accused of a probation violation in the Media or the Delaware County area, it is highly recommended that you begin defending your future with as soon as possible. Our Criminal Law Team is passionate about helping you avoid incarceration, successfully complete your probation, and move on with your life.
For your consultation on how our Criminal Law Team at the LLF Law Firm can help you, call 888-535-3686 today.
