Tag Archives: terms of Probation

What To Expect While On Probation

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Probation Violation Lawyer 317-636-7514

Probation Violation Lawyer 317-636-7514

Several offenders are put on probation each year, usually as an alternative to jail time. If you are one of these individuals, you should be relieved. Probation is a more lenient consequence to criminal charges compared to doing time in jail. After all, no one in their right mind wants to spend time behind bars, so it comes as no surprise that most offenders accept and appreciate probation in lieu of incarceration.

Although probation can be easy with cooperation, it can still be a scary time for anyone, especially first-time offenders. For this reason, it is helpful, and often comforting, to know what probation will mean for you. Continue reading to learn what you can expect while on probation in Indiana.

Terms of Probation

The first element you should know about probation is the importance of obeying all the rules. There is a long list of rules and restrictions while on probation, all of which must be adhered to 100% or severe legal and financial consequences will follow. Depending on the county of your conviction and probation, the rules will vary. However, all jurisdictions enforce the general requirements of probation.

General Conditions of Probation Include:

☛ Offenders must obey all laws and refrain from all further criminal activity.

☛ Offenders must satisfy all court-ordered penalties, such as community service, fines, fees, alcohol and drug education courses, counseling, substance abuse rehabilitation, and more.

☛ Offenders must be present and on-time for all probation meetings with their assigned probation officer.

☛ Offenders must refrain from all alcohol and drug use.

☛ Offenders must refrain from being in the company of other convicted felons and criminals.

☛ Offenders must take and pass all drug screenings on the date they are scheduled.

☛ Offenders must remain in the state.

☛ Offenders must maintain full-time employment.

☛ Offenders must immediately inform probation officer of address and job changes.

Probation Violations

If you break any of the rules of your probationary terms, your probation officer will find you to be in violation of your probation. Whether you are 5 minutes late for a probation meeting, or caught in a routine traffic stop with a convicted felon in your company, you will face penalties for the violation regardless of how minor the infraction. It is important to have an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer on your side to help you navigate all your probation violation legal problems. They are your best chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for probation violations, such as hefty fines, extended probation, and even jail time.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for aggressive criminal defense against probation violations in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm has the experience, resources, and determination to build you an impactful defense to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your criminal charges and strategies for defense.

The Difference Between Probation and Parole

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Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Attorney 317-636-7514

Although probation and parole are similar to one another because they are both alternatives to incarceration, they are quite different in detail. The primary difference between the two, which we’ll discuss further later on, is that probation often takes the place of jail time, whereas parole occurs after a person’s early release from prison. But they are also similar in the fact that they both subject an offender to temporary legal supervision and obligate them to follow a set of strict rules.

Continue reading to learn more about the differences between probation and parole.

Probation

After a person is found guilty of a criminal charge, they are sentenced to certain legal penalties. These penalties often include jail time, fines, community service, impact panels, substance abuse classes, and more. Depending on the severity of the crime and the person’s criminal history, a judge may grant probation in place of jail time. Probation is a temporary period of legal supervision, often managed by a jointed probation agency, which allows offenders to show the court they wish to repent and rehabilitate after their conviction.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

During this time, offenders are legally obligated to follow a list of rules, called probation conditions, which include retaining employment, staying in the state, refraining from drugs and alcohol, obeying all laws, surrendering to routine drug screens, and more. Those on probation are managed by a probation officer, and subject to random warrantless searches and drug tests without probable cause.

Probation is generally set for a temporary period of time, but can be extended if the offender fails to follow all rules and requirements. The length of probation can be anywhere from 1 to 10 years, depending on the individual circumstances. In order to satisfy all probation conditions, the offender must pay all fines, restitution fees, and court costs, as well as, complete all court-ordered classes, community service, or rehabs. So long as the person follows all rules and completes all requirements, they are relieved of probation at the end of their sentenced term.

Parole

Parole occurs after an offender is released from jail. Parole comes with the same set of rules and requirements as probation, called conditions of parole. Offenders report to a parole officer on a regular scheduled basis, and subject to all the same conditions of a person on probation. If an offender fails to comply with these conditions, the parole officer will file a report with the parole board, who will then rule as to whether or not the person should go back to jail or sentenced to stricter parole conditions.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 if you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime in Indiana. He is an aggressive and powerful Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer that retains extensive trial and litigation experience in criminal law. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss the best strategy for your defense.

The General Terms of Felony Probation

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Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Anyone who is arrested for a felony offense understands the serious nature of their legal situation. This is because felonies are the most serious offenses, and the most severely punished. In Indiana, they are divided into 7 categories, from Level 6 to Level 1, and at the top, Murder. Each level of felony is assigned a separate statute regarding penalization, and for the less serious felonies, this includes the terms of probation.

Continue reading to learn more about the general terms of probation for felony convictions, and what to do if you have been recently charged with a felony in Indiana.

Felony Offenses

A felony is any crime that is punishable by more than 1 year in jail, and up to $10,000 in fines, as well as, a long list of additional penalties, which we will discuss shortly in this blog. Level 6 felonies are the least serious of all felonies, and are colloquially referred to as “wobblers” in the legal industry since they can often times be reduced to misdemeanors with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. They are punishable by up to 3 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Level 1 and 2 felonies are the most serious of felonies, with the exception of murder, which tops the list of serious offenses. Level 1 and 2 levels are punishable by up to 30 years or more, depending on the variables of the offense.

Probation

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Probation is a legal penalty that serves in place of jail time. When a person is convicted of a felony, depending on the circumstances of their case, they may be offered probation and other legal penalties in place of serving time in jail. When the probation period is complete, it is the same as “time served” in jail. Probation is the period of time after a person is convicted of a crime in which they are supervised by the courts, and obligated to perform or complete certain court orders.

Probation is assigned for a set number of months, generally ranging from 3 to 24 months, depending on the crime. During this time, a person must comply with all court orders and refrain from committing any offenses. If they fail to do this, they can be charged with another crime: violating probation. This brings on a whole other case of legal charges and penalties. Below are some more general terms of probation. Not all terms are assigned to every case. Every case is different and every judge is different. The results of your felony case and subsequent probation will depend on the individual details of your case and charges.

General Terms Include, but are not Limited to:

• Offenders cannot leave the state.
• Offenders must submit to regular scheduled drug screening.
• Offenders must report to all scheduled probation meetings on time.
• Offenders must remain drug and alcohol-free.
• Offenders must complete all assigned community service, alcohol/drug education classes, or impact panels.
• Offenders must pay all court fines and fees in full, on time.
• Offenders must maintain employment.
• Offenders may be subject to house arrest, ignition interlock devices, or electronic ankle devices.

If you have been arrested recently, and you believe you may face felony charges, contact a licensed criminal defense attorney right away. They have the resources and knowledge to best protect your rights and preserve your freedoms.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 for reputable and experienced Indianapolis criminal defense you can trust. He is an aggressive criminal lawyer that can help you navigate your case in a way that may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges. Our law firm offers free initial consultations and is happy to answer your questions about the levels of punishment in Indiana and its criminal process. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis, IN.