Probation

If you were arrested or involved in a criminal case while under the age of 18, you may have a juvenile record. Courts, police, and schools may be able to access these records. Informal probation offers juveniles the opportunity to avoid a criminal sentence. In the past, completing informal probation would result in your juvenile record being sealed. A recent bill in California now allows prosecutors to access juvenile records...

When you’re on probation, it can be hard to know what you’re allowed to do and when. It can be especially hard when you’re on misdemeanor probation and don’t have an officer to report to. Can you travel? Who do you report to? Our law firm is here for those serving probation in California. We defend people who have been charged with criminal convictions and make sure that their rights...

After falling on the wrong side of the law, you may be sentenced to a period of probation. You will be given a specific set of terms to fulfill. Meeting the terms of your probation will allow you to avoid jail time. In California, a probation violation will result in a hearing. This allows you to explain what happened and why you deserve another chance. Learn how you may win...

Formal probation is also known as felony probation. It is a possible sentence handed out by the court when a defendant is facing felony charges. Formal probation is a potential alternative to a jail or prison term. When on formal probation, a convicted felon has the possibility to continue living in their home and working. However, there are strict rules which the person on probation must follow in order to...

 A first-time violation of probation in California can result in serious consequences, including the possibility of jail time. Depending on your situation, you could be ordered to go through treatment for substance abuse, counseling for issues such as anger management, or complete community service. More serious repercussions for a violation can include adding additional terms to your probation. In these cases, a judge could also extend the length of...

Your eligibility for bail on a probation violation depends on the type of probation you are under. Penal Code Section 1272(1) allows you to post bail if you are on misdemeanor probation. The bail amount will be based on a bail schedule already fixed by the county. However, the presiding judge may adjust the bail amount depending on your circumstances. For example, you could be released while waiting for the...

If you are in the position of asking this question in the first place, you need a candid, succinct answer: Yes, a Californian can go to jail for violating their probation. But, of course, there are layers to this topic, as one would expect of any legal question. Criminal justice is complex and therefore subject to a great deal of interpretation by our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers, judges, and...

Violating the terms of your probation can get you in serious trouble. Probation is usually given as an expression of leniency toward the person convicted of a crime. Sometimes, probation replaces jail time as a punishment. But if you violate its terms, serious jail time can result, including even more time than your initial sentence.  The worst impact would be to impose the original maximum sentence you could have received...

Probation can restrict you in many ways. It may prevent you from traveling, moving to find work or be close to family, or in some cases, even holding a job at all. It also interferes with living a normal life and getting everything back on course after your conviction.  In California, however, you have the right to end your probation early in some circumstances. The best way to get started...