Understanding the Basics of Being on Probation
Probation is essentially a deal you make with the court to avoid jail time, where you plead guilty to an offense and in return, you get to serve your time on probation instead of in jail. It’s like a second chance, but it’s a tightrope walk because the court is giving you a shot to prove you can follow the rules.
There are two main types of probation:
- Supervised probation: This is when you’re under the watchful eye of a probation officer. You’ll have regular check-ins, typically these are weekly or bi-weekly at first, but as long as you’re compliant, they may drop to monthly check-ins or even phone calls. This type of probation is more common for people who’ve committed felonies or more serious offenses. It’s a lot stricter, and if you mess up, you’re going to feel the consequences pretty fast.
- Unsupervised probation: This type of probation is more common for low-level offenses. If you’re a first-time offender or your offense isn’t considered dangerous, you might get unsupervised probation. This means you don’t have to report to a probation officer, but you still have to meet the terms, things like community service, paying fines, attending classes, etc.
The type of probation depends on the offense and the county you’re in. Some places, like El Paso, prefer unsupervised probation for certain offenses, while other counties will require supervision no matter what.
What Is The Most Common Offense For Those On Probation?
The most common offenses for people on probation are typically low-level crimes like first-time DUIs, petty theft, or minor drug offenses. If you’re a first-time offender, or you’ve committed a non-violent crime, you’re more likely to get unsupervised probation. For more serious crimes, like felonies or repeat offenses, supervised probation is the norm.
Which Is The Most Lenient Form Of Probation?
The most lenient form of probation is unsupervised probation. As mentioned above, this type of probation is reserved for less serious offenses, like a first-time DUI or minor misdemeanor, you may not need a probation officer. Instead, you’re given the terms to meet such as 500 hours of community service to be completed within 2 years, and it’s your responsibility to fulfill them. This is the easiest route as long as you stick to the terms. But remember, if you mess up on unsupervised probation, the court might decide to revoke it and put you on a more restrictive probation.
What Happens If You Don’t Finish Your Probation Terms?
If you neglect the terms of your probation and don’t complete the necessary requirements, you will be served a warrant to appear for a court hearing about probation revocation. Once this occurs, it’s important to reach out to an experienced criminal defense lawyer near you, who can help you explain your side of the story and fight to protect your rights and keep you out of jail if possible. At the Law Office of Rodemer | Kane, we have helped hundreds of clients facing probation violation charges. Reach out to our Colorado Springs law firm today for a free case consultation.