When you are put on probation and you break the terms in one way or another, this is known as a violation of probation. This can be a very serious offense, but it could also be considered a minor one. It all depends on what terms of the probation you broke and what consequence it had.

If you have broken the probation terms, then the consequences will be based upon the circumstances. For example, you breaking your probation terms may have been accidental and resulted in no negative consequence. Or conversely, it could have been intentional and had the potential to cause serious harm to yourself or others.

What are the different ways in which probation could be violated?

You should have been made aware of the terms of probation when the ruling started. You may have violated your probation because you did not appear in court as was arranged, or alternatively, it could be because you did not report to your officer or pay a fine that you were ordered to pay.

Other ways that you may have violated your probation include using, selling or being found in possession of illegal drugs, committing a crime or being arrested in general.

What happens after you have been found to be violating probation?

If it has been reported that you have violated probation, you will need to attend a hearing. It will then be decided whether you are guilty or not. Being found guilty may result in you serving the rest of your sentence in prison.

If you are worried that you may be found guilty of violating probation, it is important that you understand the aspects of the law and how it applies to your situation.

Source: FindLaw, “Probation Violation,” accessed Feb. 08, 2018