Savannah Probation Violation Lawyer

In exchange for this leniency, you agree to certain restrictions on your life. Common probation rules require you to:

• Meet with your probation officer on a set schedule
• Attend counseling related to your offense, such as drug or alcohol abuse or anger management
• Get random drug tests
• Stay in a specific geographic area and/or wear a monitoring device
• Avoid contact with known criminals, such as members of your gang or other associates
• Perform community service

Probation is usually available only for misdemeanors and first-time offenders. However, probation is often granted to those accused of certain crimes, including those facing criminal charges or even felony charges. A defense lawyer is essential for anyone accused of crimes or facing criminal charges, as they can help navigate the complexities of the legal system and advocate for the best possible outcome. Our firm handles a wide range of criminal cases, including misdemeanors, felony charges, and other crimes.

Unlike many firms that practice in areas like personal injury, our excellent law firm focuses exclusively on criminal defense, ensuring our clients receive specialized and dedicated representation. Our attorney is a former prosecutor, giving him unique insight into how the prosecution builds its case. This experience, combined with our strong track record, makes us an excellent law firm for those facing criminal charges in Savannah, Richmond Hill, and the surrounding areas.

Common Types of Probation Violations and What to Expect

Probation comes with many strict rules. One misstep may cause your probation sentence to be revoked, forcing you to serve your sentence in jail. At Jarrett Maillet J.D., PC, our probation violation lawyers in Savannah, GA, provide strong, effective defense against both misdemeanor and felony probation violations. Common probation violations include:

• Technical violations – including failure to report to your PO or failure to pay fines
• Misdemeanor violations – if you are charged with a misdemeanor, your probation sentence may be revoked even before your misdemeanor charge has been resolved
• Felony violations – being charged with a felony will put your probation at risk
• DUI cases – being involved in a DUI case while on probation can result in a violation and additional penalties

A probation violation is not considered a new crime, but rather a breach of the conditions of an existing sentence.

If you commit a probation violation, your probation officer will often handle technical violations. For a minor or first violation, you may get only a warning. For more serious or repeat violations, your probation officer may report you to the court, and you will be required to attend a hearing. If you are arrested for a new offense while on probation, it is crucial to take immediate legal action after the arrest to protect your rights and driving privileges.

During the hearing process, it is important to challenge the prosecution’s case to avoid a conviction and the associated consequences. Our goal is always to achieve a favorable outcome for our clients.

What Happens at a Probation Violation Hearing

At the hearing, a judge will determine if you have committed a parole violation and will set your punishment. Punishments can vary based on the severity of the violation and your history of probation violations. Potential consequences include the following:

• Extension of the length of your probation
• Short jail stay followed by continuation of probation
• Revocation of probation, resulting in the jail time you had previously avoided
• Payment of a fine

To ensure you follow all the rules of your probation sentence, the judge will usually assign a probation officer to your case. You may be required to check in with this individual regularly, as well as notify him or her of any changes in your personal life – such as an updated address, phone number, or job. You may even have to get your probation officer’s permission if you plan to travel outside of the court’s jurisdiction.

Should you fail to follow the terms of your sentence, your probation officer may notify the judge who originally sentenced you. If this happens, a hearing will be scheduled to determine your guilt. Once the judge has reviewed your case and reviewed the evidence against you, he or she will make a ruling. If you are found guilty, the length of your probation may be extended or the judge may impose new guidelines. In some cases, your probation may even be revoked entirely and a jail sentence issued in its place.

Local Expertise in Chatham County

When facing a probation violation or any criminal offense in Chatham County, having a law firm with deep local expertise can make all the difference. At Jarrett Maillet J.D., PC, our team of skilled criminal defense lawyers brings years of combined experience as both former prosecutors and defense attorneys, giving us a unique perspective on the intricacies of probation law and the legal system in Savannah, GA and surrounding counties like Bryan County. We understand the severe consequences that can result from probation violations, including probation revocation, and we are dedicated to protecting our clients from lasting consequences.

Our law firm has a proven track record of defending clients against a wide range of criminal charges, from technical violations of probation to serious felony offenses, DUI charges, and drug offenses. We know that every criminal case is unique, and we take pride in developing tailored defense strategies designed to fight for the best possible outcome. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor charge or a felony, our experienced attorneys are prepared to challenge the prosecution’s case and advocate for your rights at every stage.

At Jarret Maillet J.D., PC, clear communication is a top priority. We ensure that our clients are fully informed about their criminal case, the potential penalties, and the steps we are taking to protect their future. Our attorneys provide personalized attention, taking the time to understand each client’s situation and offering the legal help they need in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. We are well-respected within the legal community of Coastal Georgia for our commitment to excellence and our aggressive approach to criminal defense.

If you are facing a probation violation, DUI defense, or any other criminal charges in Chatham County or the surrounding areas, our law firm is here to help. We offer a free consultation so you can discuss your case with an experienced attorney and learn about your options. At Jarrett Maillet J.D., PC, protecting your rights and fighting for favorable outcomes is our mission. Contact us today to get the skilled legal representation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Probation Violations in Savannah, GA

What is the difference between a “Technical” and a “Substantive” probation violation in Chatham County?

Probation violations in Chatham County fall into two main categories: Technical Violations and Substantive Violations. A technical violation occurs when you fail to meet a required condition of probation without committing a new crime, such as missing a mandatory meeting with your probation officer, failing a drug test, not completing community service hours, or failing to pay fines or restitution. A substantive violation, which is far more serious, occurs when you are arrested for committing a new state or federal crime while on probation. Substantive violations, even for a misdemeanor, often result in harsher penalties and are more likely to lead to a full revocation of your suspended sentence.

What is the potential punishment for a probation violation in Savannah, and will I automatically go to jail?

A probation violation, even a technical one, carries the risk of serving time in jail, but it does not automatically mean you will serve the full remainder of your sentence. For a substantive violation (committing a new crime), the judge can revoke the full balance of your suspended sentence and order you to serve it in custody. For a technical violation, the maximum revocation is typically limited to two years of the probationary term. An experienced defense attorney in Savannah focuses on presenting mitigating evidence, such as proof of hardship or compliance with all other conditions, to argue for alternatives like increased reporting, mandatory counseling, or a short “shock” sentence instead of full revocation.

What is the standard of proof the prosecutor must meet at a Chatham County Probation Revocation Hearing?

The standard of proof required at a Probation Revocation Hearing in Chatham County is significantly lower than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard used in a criminal trial. The state only needs to prove the violation occurred by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that you violated a term of your probation. Because this standard is so low, it is crucial to have an attorney who can challenge the evidence—for instance, by questioning the validity of a drug test or showing that a failure to pay fines was due to an unavoidable financial hardship—to prevent the judge from revoking your probation and ordering you back to jail or prison.

How a Savannah Probation Violation Attorney Can Help

Fortunately, you may be able to avoid the consequences associated with a probation violation. In many cases, an experienced criminal attorney in Savannah, GA may be able to challenge the evidence in your case and get the charges against you dismissed.

If you or a loved one violated the terms of your probation, you are at risk of having your probation revoked. Protect your probation sentence, avoid jail, contact Jarrett Maillet, today. We will try to avoid a violation charge all together by working to build a strong case against accusations as quickly as possible.

Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights and freedom, and will do everything we can to keep you out of court. If your case goes to a hearing, our Savannah, GA probation violation attorneys will provide effective arguments that help you obtain a favorable result. We are recognized for our criminal defense skill, and have the experience necessary to ensure your probation violation does not negatively affect your future. Contact us today at 912-713-3426 for a free consultation.