Category: Probation Violations

How are Texas Probation and Parole Different?

Parole | Probation Violations

The Texas criminal justice system is complex, and it’s easy to mix up terms, or accidentally use them interchangeably. In particular, the legal terms “probation” and “parole” are often used incorrectly. While they have some similarities, they are not the same process.

Let’s take a look at the circumstances of probation and parole, and key differences between these two processes. We’ll also cover the consequences of a parole or probation violation, and what you can do to fight back.

Texas Probation Basics

Probation is court-ordered supervision that allows a defendant to remain in the community rather than serving his or her sentence in jail or prison.

A judge will give a probationer specific terms to follow for a designated period [...]

Fighting Back against Texas Probation Violation Charges

Probation Violations

A probation violation is an offense occurring when you break any of the conditions a court assigned in conjunction with your probation.

While there are no official procedures for what happens immediately after a defendant violates probation, officers have wide discretion for how they’d like to handle the offense. Next steps usually depend on the type of condition you violated, whether you’ve previously been in violation, and the relationship you’ve built with your probation officer. If you are officially charged with violating your probation, you will typically receive a request to appear in court.

In today’s post, we look at six common probation violation charges, as well as possible defenses against them. After reading, if you are still unsure [...]

Penalties You Face for Violating Your Probation in Tarrant County

Probation Violations

Although there is much debate surrounding current probationary conditions and whether they are individualized enough to be effective for those re-entering the community, one thing is certain – every convicted felon in the Tarrant County Community Supervision program who violates their terms of probation becomes subject to additional penalties.

The “terms” of probation are basically the rules that you agree to live by in order to stay on probation. They include requirements like committing no other criminal offenses, abstaining from illegal use of controlled substances, paying your assessed fees, court costs, and restitution, and neither owning nor possessing firearms.

In this post we’re going to take a look at some of the penalties you may face if you are caught [...]

Common Reasons Texans are Charged with Violating Their Probation

Probation Violations

Probation is often offered as an alternative to a jail sentence, or in combination with a much shorter jail sentence than you would otherwise face. Under probation, you are allowed to remain free, but must follow procedures and policies outlined by the community supervision department.

Violating your probation comes with serious consequences, which could include hefty fines, extended probation, or revocation of probation. Therefore, if you are under probation, it is imperative that you understand all of the requirements that you need to follow.

These can differ depending upon your specific situation, but there are a number of common requirements. Below, we’re going to detail two different types of probation in Texas and several ways that people typically violate them.[...]