Probation Violation in Missouri & Defense Attorney

Probation in Missouri is much like probation anywhere else – it’s a chance for a convicted defendant to stay free from prison if he or she remains out of trouble for a specified period of time.  However, probation violations open the person who is in violation up to serious consequences.  If this describes your situation, you need to contact a probation violation attorney in Missouri immediately.  Attorney John Anthony Picerno has years of experience in handling probation cases, and below are a few facts to consider if you are being accuses of violation the terms of your probation.

Conditions of Probation

The Missouri Department of Corrections/State Board of Probation and Parole has published a list of 10 conditions that must be met in order for a person to remain in compliance with his or her probation.  They are as follows:

1. The party on probation will obey all laws and regulations;
2. Permission will be received for any travel plans;
3. The probation officer will be supplied with current residency information;
4. The person on probation will maintain employment or enrollment in an approved training program;
5. The probationer will not associate with anyone who’s been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor;
6. The probationer will not possess, use or sell illegal controlled substances;
7. The probationer will not use, own or sell weapons;
8. The probationer will report to his or her probation officer in accordance with a regular schedule;
9. Special conditions – the probationer will follow any additional conditions that apply specifically to the situation that led to probation;
10. The probationer understands the locations of probation and parole offices.

Consequences for Probation Violation

If you are found to be in violation of your probation, you face serious consequences.  Often times, probation is put in place in lieu of a suspended sentence.  For instance, if a convicted defendant is sentenced to five years in prison, but is later found to be in violation of his or her probation, he or she faces the possibility of having the original prison sentence reinstated.  It is generally up to the presiding judge whether or not the full original sentence or only the portion that remains must be served.  Not to mention, the probation officer only needs to report a violation for this process to begin.

Therefore, you need to take every precaution necessary if you’ve been placed on probation, and if you’ve been accused of violating the terms of your probation, you need to seek the help of a probation violation attorney immediately.  John Anthony Picerno has been helping clients in Missouri deal with this issue for many years, so contact his office today for a full consultation.