Violation Of Probation In Florida

When a defendant is sentenced to Probation in Florida they are basically being granted a chance to stay out of jail or prison assuming that they adhere to the conditions of Probation. The defendant, by accepting the terms of Probation is basically signing a contract with the court stating that they can manage themselves without having to be “rehabilitated” in jail or prison. The consequences of violating Probation can be very serious, especially in Florida. In fact, it is my opinion that Probation can sometimes be a set-up for certain types of Probationers.

Violations of probation can happen very easily, and can occur if your probation officer has any reasonable grounds to believe you violated the terms of your probation in any material way (Florida Statutes § 948.06). If there is suspicion you violated your probation, any law enforcement officer may then arrest you, or the judge can issue a warrant for your arrest.

Community Control, as defined in Florida Statutes § 948.001, is supervised custody in the community, home or another place that has specific rules and requirements. For example, licensed halfway houses are considered community control. Community control is daily supervision and surveillance by law enforcement officers, including weekends and holidays.

Community control is stricter than probation, and is available to offenders who commit certain crimes that would not otherwise be available for probation. For example, those who commit serious felonies or felony offenders who have a criminal background may be eligible for community control, but would not be eligible for probation. However, violating terms of community control can result in the same penalties as probation violations.

When one is accused of violating Probation (VOP), they are in a strange predicament because they were already sentenced for the original crime. The Probationer has less legal protection then if they were being charged with a new crime. Under Florida Statute §948.06, there is no right to a jury trial in a VOP hearing, which means that the Probationer is basically at the mercy of the Judge. There is no right to bond while awaiting a hearing for a VOP. This means that a person accused of murder may be able to bond out of jail, while someone who was on Probation and violates (with a dirty urine, for example) will have to sit in jail until the VOP hearing.

There is also no Statute of Limitations on a VOP, which means that the Probationer cannot just stall or wait for things to “blow over.” Also, Hearsay is admissible against you in a VOP hearing, which means that whatever a Probation or Police Officer says you did can be admitted without any further proof. Also, under §948.06, Guilt does not have to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Basically that means that if you were over 50% more likely to have violated your probation in the opinion of the Judge, you may be charged.

My advice to someone on Probation who may have relapsed on alcohol or drugs is to seek the advice of a professional before giving a confession to your Probation Officer. Similar to the police, anything you say to your Probation Officer can and will be used against you in a court of law. This is especially so in the case of a VOP, where Hearsay is admissible and the burden of proof is so low. Notwithstanding advice from friends in the fellowships to “be honest in all your affairs,” this is one of those cases where you want to proceed with caution. Probation Officers are NOT your friends. ASI has developed a working relationship with the Department of Corrections and has intervened in many potential VOP’s before they are officially issued.

How can Probation be violated and what are the consequences?

Some of the ways in which individuals tend to violate probation can include, but are not limited to:

• Positive Drug or Alcohol tests;

• Failure to attend required treatment programs, courses or 12-step meetings;

• Failure to pay the fines and fees required as part of your probation terms;

• Not reporting to your probation officer on the correct date and/or time;

• Failing to report if you have changed addresses during the probationary period;

• Leaving the city, county, or state, without obtaining permission from the courts or probation officer;

• Contacting someone who has an order of protection against you; or

• Possession of firearms.

In Florida, a Judge can make one of three decisions if you violate your Probation. They can either:

1) Reinstate your Probation,

2) Modify your Probation, or

3) Revoke your Probation.

The best case scenario of course is to have Probation reinstated. If Probation is modified, this will usually mean an extension of time on Probation and perhaps additional requirements, such a community service hours, additional fines, or completion of a Drug Treatment program.

At ASI, we have been very successful in persuading the court to reinstate Probation or modify it with completion of a Drug Treatment Program being one of the terms. This scenario however has been effective mostly for drug offenders who have violated Probation with either a dirty urine or other substance abuse related violations. The worst case scenario is that the Judge can revoke Probation and sentence the defendant to the maximum penalty for the original charge. This is scary because someone who is on Probation for a Felony Drug Possession charge can technically be sentenced to five years in prison for a dirty urine. The way some judges see it, the defendant has already been given a break by getting Probation.

Even with all the issues that arise for violating probation in Florida, you do have options that may put you in a more favorable position. A good advocate will know how to employ strategies to give you the best chance at succeeding. In some cases your attorney can argue the merits of the violation itself in an attempt to get the violation dismissed, or at least get Probation reinstated. However, a plan of action must be developed and proposed to the Court.

In cases involving drug charges, it is recommended that you set up an evaluation with ASI, the Criminal Justice Addiction experts who can then testify in court on your behalf and propose a Treatment Plan as an alternative option to the Court. ASI coordinates Treatment Plans which may include Residential treatment, Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP), or a halfway house. We are licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families for both Case Management and General Intervention.

When it comes down to it, a probation violation is not something to be taken lightly. That is why ASI is affiliated with very experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys who understand Probation laws. ASI works together with our attorneys to achieve not only the best legal results, but also the best clinical outcomes for the clients. Clients eligible for our services include those charged with DUI’s, Drug Possession, and other drug-related criminal charges.

Myles B. Schlam, J.D.,CAP/CCJAP

Advocare Solutions, Inc.- Executive Director

(954) 804-6888

www.drugcourtpro.com