Tampa Probation Violation Lawyer

I WORK HARD TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS.

Effective Defense from an AV Preeminent* Rated Former Prosecutor with more than 25 Years of Experience

Tampa Probation Violation Lawyer

I WORK HARD TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS.

Effective Defense from an AV Preeminent* Rated Former Prosecutor with more than 25 Years of Experience

When you are given probation, you are also subject to a list of strict requirements that can limit where you go, what you do, and who you see. But following these strict rules can keep many people from being incarcerated or allow for a reduced sentence.

But being found in violation of the rules of your probation can mean facing serious consequences, including fines or even jail time. Fortunately, that is where our team can come in to help.

Mike G is a probation violation lawyer in Tampa who has years of experience handling cases just like yours. Click here to schedule a FREE consultation or continue reading to learn about how our team can help you.

The State of Florida defines probation as a type of legal supervision. A court may sentence someone to probation after serving time or sometimes offer probation instead of jail time. 

While on probation, individuals must adhere to certain terms and conditions. Everyone’s sentences will vary depending on the nature of their crime and past criminal history. 

Usually, individuals will have to report to their probation officer (PO) as directed. They will also have to:  

  • Allow their PO to make regular visits to their home or place of work
  • Not violate any laws
  • Avoid association with people involved in illegal activities
  • Hold a job
  • Support their legal dependents
  • Pay reparations to cover damage caused by their crimes
  • Stay within a certain area

Note that these are just some of the most common terms and conditions of a probation sentence. Florida Statute 948.03 contains a complete list of standard conditions.

Another important thing to know is that the court will adjust the conditions to your case. The court will specify factors such as:  

  • How often you need to report to your PO
  • How much you need to pay in reparations (if the crime you committed caused damage to a party)
  • How far you are allowed to travel from your home
  • What your curfew is (if applicable)

The court may also add restrictions based on the nature of your crime. For instance, if your crime involved illegal substance use, you may be subject to drug tests. You may also be prohibited from carrying a firearm.

EXAMPLES OF COMMON PROBATION VIOLATIONS

According to Florida law, probation conditions “do not require oral pronouncement at the time of sentencing.” This means that, while in court, you may not hear the conditions you’re subject to.

As a result, many offenders are unaware of the conditions of their probation. They often violate their probation without meaning to. Some of the most common instances of violations of probation (VOP) include:

  • Consuming alcohol or other drugs in excess
  • Having a controlled substance show up on a drug test
  • Changing your place of residence without immediately notifying your PO
  • Missing appointments with your PO
  • Getting arrested for a new crime
  • Failing to complete a substance abuse program

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU VIOLATE PROBATION

It’s important to take all conditions of your probation seriously. Failing to meet with your probation officer, not notifying them of a change in residence, or getting careless about using controlled substances can all cause you problems in the future—even if they are minor mistakes in the present.

Even if your probation violation is an honest mistake, a court will not see it that way. They will issue a warrant for your arrest and bring you to trial. In some cases, a law enforcement officer does not even need a warrant—they may arrest you if they have reasonable cause that you have committed a violation. 

Depending on the nature of the violation, the court might alter the terms of your probation. In some cases, you might have to serve jail time. 

WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE A PROBATION VIOLATION LAWYER

If you are being accused of a VOP, you need to hire a probation violation lawyer. A probation violation lawyer will offer expert representation and argue your case for you. With a professional attorney by your side, you can fight for the best possible outcome.

Mike G has decades of experience on both sides of the prosecution—including as an attorney defending people accused of violating their probation.

When you come to us with your case, here are the ways our team will help:

1. We Resolve Your Case Quickly

Your freedom is our priority. Our goal is to ensure you do not have to wait in jail for your trial or wait to get a bond to release you from being held.

We also take an aggressive approach with the prosecution—our team stays on top of your case to ensure things move as quickly as possible. 

In criminal cases, the burden of proof is on the prosecution. They must prove that you committed the crime “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

In VOP cases, the burden of proof is also on the prosecution. They must prove that you willfully and substantially violated your terms and conditions. 

However, VOP cases abide by the “preponderance of the evidence” standards. This means that the prosecution doesn’t have to prove that you committed a VOP “beyond a reasonable doubt.” They must only prove that you committed a VOP with a likelihood of at least 51%. 

These less strict standards put VOP defendants at a disadvantage. But with Mike G Law, you stand a fighting chance. Our team will offer the expert legal defense you need. We know all the tactics that the prosecution will use—and how to defend against them.

3. We Will File a Motion to Suppress or Dismiss VOPs

In some cases, filing a motion to suppress or dismiss VOPs may be your best move. These measures can get the court to make a more favorable ruling or even drop the charges altogether. Our team has the knowledge and expertise to successfully file motions. Contact us today to learn more. 

LET OUR TEAM HELP YOU

A VOP is not something to take lightly, even if you committed a violation on accident or you feel as if your violation was minor. To help you secure the best possible outcome, you need an expert attorney by your side. Contact Mike G Law today for a free case consultation. 

Let Mike G Help Protect Your Rights

The decisions you make after you have been arrested can determine the outcome of your case — and possibly your life. Call Mike G Law at 813-221-4303, or contact me online.

Contact Mike G Now

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I would do more than 5 stars if it was available. Mr. Gonzalez was outstanding. Told everything how it was, very responsive to call and email. Fought very hard to get my husband the outcome he received. If We were to ever need a attorney in Florida again, We would use him as many times as We needed. We highly recommend to anyone looking for an awesome attorney to go with Mike G Law!!! He gets to the point!!!

Ashley F.

I cannot recommend Mr Gonzalez enough. He is extremely professional as is his entire firm. Mr Gonzalez has been very knowledgeable and forthcoming throughout the entire legal process. I highly recommend him and a definite five star!

Bonnie B.

Mike G. is a great attorney. Very professional, very punctual, easy to talk to. Thanks to him my case was dismissed charges dropped.

Eric G.

I was able to text or call Mike anytime I needed to. He worked with me, on a real level and communicated realistic expectations for my situation. Thanks again guys.

Nicole S.

I wish I could give Mr. González 10 stars out of 5. He is a stellar and highly competent criminal justice attorney. Mr. González has effectively given me a second chance at life thanks to his deep and professional knowledge of criminal law. I was facing a very serious crime that carried a considerable period of imprisonment. But thanks to his incredible talent, sheer strength of intelligence, and a strong heart to fight for an individual’s values, I can now rest easy knowing that I will not have to suffer through the penal system. If you ever have a problem with the criminal justice system, I highly recommend that you hire this remarkable gentleman to fight for you in your case. I owe you a tremendous debt for your services. He gave me back my life and I will always be grateful. Thank you Mr. Gonzalez!

Shaler B.

Mike took care of my legal and civil case and was very helpful and Professional. He was responsive to all my questions and gave me updates as I asked for them. He helped get me in a position to see my son again which I am extremely grateful for. Thank you and God bless!

William W.