Los Angeles Probation Violation

In California probation is often times part of a criminal defendant's sentence. Often times depending on what the crime was, probation, jail, fine, community services and others are coupled together as a sentence for the defendant.

In Los Angeles there are generally two types of probation sentences. First isFormal Probation, which is also called Supervised Probation. This is the type of probation that people more likely are familiar with. It requires the defendant to meet with an assigned probation officer on a regular basis.

The other type of probation in Los Angeles is Informal Probation also called Summary Probation. Essentially Informal Probation requires the defendant to stay out of trouble and complete the other terms of the sentence within the time allowed by the court. Also, there are no scheduled meetings with probation officers under this type of probation.

The length of the probationary period varies on the defendant's past criminal history and the type of crime he/she is being sentenced for. Violation of probation can be a serious matter. In some cases, a second opportunity may be given by the court. While in other situations the court may require additional probation time, community service, community labor, counseling or jail/prison time for the violation.
Here are a few ways that probation is violated:

-Failure to Pay Fines of Restitution
-Failure to Comply with the terms of the sentencing terms
-Failure to Appear at a court appearance
-Failure to Report to a Probation Officer
-Possession of Illegal Substance
-Being Arrested Again

An experienced Criminal Defense Attorney will be able to fight for all your rights in court if you or someone you know has violated Probation. The Criminal Defense Lawyers at the Law Offices of Loren M. Merlin know the factors the court will take into account when considering the probation violation and they know how to effectively defend you or a loved one. A few factors the Judge will take into account in a Los Angeles Probation Violation hearing are:

-Seriousness of Violation
-Any new criminal history
-When in the Probationary terms was the violation committed
-Nature of the crime committed
-Testimony from Probation Officer

If you are currently facing a Probation Violation charge, do not hesitate to contact a Los Angeles Probation Violation Lawyer that you can trust. At the Law Offices of Loren M. Merlin we understand seriousness of violating Probation and the consequences that come with that. By securing the legal assistance of an experienced Probation Violation Attorney from our firm, you can rest assure knowing that your rights and your future will be placed into completely trustworthy hands. At the Law Offices of Loren M. Merlin we approach every case with the belief that the person we are defending could easily be one of our own family members.