Tampa violation of probation attorneys are often asked about how folks can successfully complete probation and even more importantly, avoid violations of probation. We strongly recommend the following actions to avoid violations of probation.
First and foremost, take notes. While this sounds like a very simple thing, it is absolutely critical for someone on probation because so much of what occurs while on probation occurs in an office room between you and your probation officer with no official record of the proceedings. I recommend all probationers take a legal pad with them during these meetings that way they can take explicit notes of what is said during these meetings. The more aware you are of what is going on at your meetings makes you far more likely to successfully complete probation than not.
Second, make copies of documents from probation officer and of documents you give to your probation officer. As a Tampa violation of probation attorney, I cannot tell you how many times I have had clients, who I thoroughly believed, tell me that they gave something to their probation officer, but it is now lost. This literally happens every day between probation officers and probationers. It also happens very often with Drug Court and DACCO in the Tampa area. We have seen countless examples of folks turning in their NA meetings sheets and they are suddenly unable to be found. Many folks simply fail to successfully complete probation because they lose paperwork.
Lastly and most importantly, make sure you know the exact terms of probation laid out by the judgment and sentence actually laid out by the court. This is absolutely critical since it actually lays out the specific requirements of what you have to do while on probation. As a Tampa violation of probation attorney, I cannot tell you how many folks enter pleas on cases and frankly do not know what they are actually required to do while on probation. This is totally incredible because they have no idea what they are really getting themselves into. We strongly recommend immediately getting a copy of the judgment and sentence of the court prior to leaving the courtroom after entering their plea. In Polk County, you will receive a large “snap out” with all of the conditions. If you cannot receive it in the courtroom, request it immediately. It is absolutely critical to know what you must do on probation. Again, you more you know about the terms and conditions of your probation, the more likely you are to successfully complete probation.
If you or someone you know has questions about a violation of probation or how to successfully complete probation, contact the Tampa violation of probation attorneys of Hackworth Law for a free case consultation. We have literally handled thousands of violations of probation and criminal cases throughout the Tampa Bay Area, including Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, Polk, Hernando and Manatee counties. If you would like to contact one of our Tampa violation of probation attorneys immediately, please use the “contact us now” tab in the upper right hand corner of the website. Thanks for checking out our Tampa violation of probation attorney blog and we look forward to hearing from you.