After being accused of committing a criminal offense, you may research its associated penalties ahead of your criminal trial proceedings. The one penalty that may stand out to you the most is the possibility of incarceration for months or even years. You should know that one of our lawyers will do everything in their power to fight for a probation order instead. Please continue reading to learn how a probation order is supposed to work and how one of the experienced New Jersey & Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers at The Vigilante Law Firm, P.C. can help you obtain and closely abide by yours.
What is probation?
Put in simple terms, probation in criminal law is court-ordered community supervision, by an appointed probation officer, of an offender convicted of a criminal offense. Essentially, it may be ordered in lieu of jail time or imprisonment. The primary goal of probation is to allow an offender to rehabilitate while remaining in normal society, as they may incorporate certain measures to prevent a repeat offense in the future.
How does a probation order work?
The New Jersey criminal court may order your probation to last anywhere between one to five years, depending on your criminal history and the type of criminal offense you committed. To reiterate, one of the most important aspects of probation is reporting to a probation officer. They are supposed to check that you are following the terms and conditions of your probation order. That is, you may be expected to do the following during this period:
- Attend regularly scheduled meetings with your officer.
- Wear an ankle monitor so your whereabouts are monitored by your officer.
- Stay within a certain geographic area within the state of New Jersey.
- Disengage with certain groups of people, especially those involved in your offense.
- Maintain substantial employment activity to pay fines or restitution to victims.
- Participate and complete your court-ordered community service hours.
- Stay sober and submit to random alcohol or drug testing by your officer.
- Submit to alcohol or drug counseling sessions, if relevant to your offense.
- Submit to mental health counseling sessions, if relevant to your offense.
- Submit to anger management classes, if relevant to your offense.
- Avoid committing any other criminal offenses.
- Surrender all firearms under your ownership.
If your probation officer finds you failing or slacking here, they may file a probation complaint with the court. This may prompt a summons or warrant for your arrest. Ultimately, you may be ordered to serve the remainder of your probation sentence in jail or prison.
No matter what, you do not need to feel alone in this process. One of the experienced New Jersey & Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers is ready to be in your corner and support you throughout. So please reach out to The Vigilante Law Firm, P.C. whenever you are ready.
