If you have been convicted of a crime in Georgia and have been released, but are required to complete terms of a court order instead of going to jail, it is likely that you have been sentenced to probation. While probation is generally an alternative to incarceration, probation can also be ordered once an individual is released from jail. If you are on probation, you are required to abide to specific terms of the probation order that may include submitting to drug and alcohol testing, paying restitution to the victim, staying away from certain locations or people and even a mandatory curfew. Whatever the terms of your probation, you will be required to report to a probation officer.
Probation orders are often very specific and a violation of any of the terms of your probation will almost always lead to jail time. If you are charged with probation violation in northern Georgia, call Attorney Scott Miller, an experienced Alpharetta probation violation lawyer. Not all probation violations are your fault, and oftentimes the court and probation officer do not follow proper procedures. Attorney Miller will make sure your rights are protected.
Scott Miller Explains Ways of Violating Your Probation
There are two ways in which you can violate your Georgia probation. Call the Law Office of Scott Miller if your probation is revoked because of an alleged:
- Substantive Violation: New criminal offense was committed
- Technical Violation: Failure to follow probationary terms, such as not
- Reporting to the probation officer
- Attending counseling or rehab
- Completing community service
- Paying fines or restitution
- Abiding by orders to stay away from certain people or neighborhoods
- Reporting for drug and alcohol testing
If during the period of your probation you do not follow the conditions ordered by the court, your probation officer will issue a warrant and you will be arrested. At that time you will not have a right to appointed counsel; therefore, you need to hire an attorney to protect your freedom and your rights. Whether it is an alleged substantive violation or a technical violation, if a warrant has been issued for a probation violation in Alpharetta, Roswell or Sandy Springs, contact Georgia probation violation lawyer Scott Miller. If it is alleged that you have committed a new offense while on probation, Attorney Miller will defend against the probation violation charge and the new charges.
Scott Miller Explains Steps of Probation Revocation Hearings
If a probation revocation hearing is scheduled, you can expect to lose your freedom if you are not able to properly defend against the charges. Once you are arrested for a probation violation, you will be held in jail until your revocation hearing. You should contact Alpharetta probation violation attorney Scott Miller immediately, as a hearing will be scheduled as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days. You will receive notice of the hearing that includes the date and time.
Since you have already been convicted of the charges, the judge will determine whether the probation violation was a willful act. The state has a low burden of proof, which is “by a preponderance of the evidence.” Therefore, you should contact Attorney Miller as he will investigate the charges and develop a strong defense for you. At the hearing, Scott Miller will also present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and negotiate on your behalf to reduce or eliminate the charges.
What to Do if You Are Facing a Probation Revocation Hearing in Northern Georgia
If you or someone you love has been charged with a probation violation, call the Law Office of Scott Miller. Without experienced representation, you could be facing increased jail time. You must take a probation revocation hearing seriously. Alpharetta probation violation lawyer Scott Miller will use his familiarity with the Georgia court system to negotiate with the prosecutor to have your sentenced reduced or eliminated altogether. Attorney Miller will also investigate the charges, and if he determines that the alleged probation violation was actually the fault of the probation officer—such as the failure to file the appropriate paperwork—Scott will fight to have the charges dismissed.
Contact Scott Miller, an experienced Georgia probation violation attorney, at (770) 408-1001. Scott will assess the situation and expedite a resolution to the charges. With an experienced attorney on your side, you don’t have to fight these charges alone. Attorney Miller can make all the difference in your case.
