Areas Of Practice
Probation Violation Attorney
If you think you’ve violated the terms of your probation or you’ve been accused of failing to comply with your probation terms, a probation violation attorney can defend your rights. The Law Offices of Thomas G. Briody has years of experience helping clients in this difficult situation. Contact our law firm today to discuss your case.
We Help Get Your Life Back To Normal
Seek Help from an Experienced Probation Violation Attorney in Rhode Island
Rhode Island deals harshly with probation violators. The standard for violating probation is much lower than for being convicted of a new crime. Police officers in Rhode Island know that a new arrest often means immediate incarceration and the risk of suspended time being removed from your sentence– even before you deal with the new charge.
You need to consult with an attorney as soon as possible in order to determine how to deal with your new charges and the potential for jail from a previous sentence.
Understanding Technical Violations and the Terms of Your Probation
You may also run the risk of facing a technical violation for failure to:
- Attend counseling
- Pay fines
- Pay court costs
You need to speak with an experienced probation violation attorney if you believe you have violated any terms of your probation. Contact our law firm to discuss your case and options for moving forward.
The Theory and Purpose Behind Probation in Rhode Island
According to The National Institute of Corrections, Rhode Island has one of the lowest incarceration rates in the United States. The Institute reports there are around 20,000 Rhode Island residents on probation, which can be a preferable alternative to incarceration.
Logically, it is better for the economy to allow individuals to be a part of the community and contribute to society instead of languishing in a jail cell. Further, being free to pursue educational and career endeavors can be a big part of the rehabilitation process.
The challenge, as expressed by one probation officer, is that there can be a long list of conditions the individual must meet, which can feel like a catch-22 for those on probation. For example, what if a condition of your probation is to have a job, but you don’t have the applicable skills, education, or background to become employed?
The criminal justice system is far from perfect, and the role of a criminal defense lawyer in a probation violation case is to help people in your situation avoid more difficult circumstances.
Consequences of Violating Probation
In some instances, a probation violation can result in nothing more than a warning, but consequences have the potential to escalate significantly. A probationer who fails to comply with the conditions of a probation can face the following:
- Extended probation
- Additional fines
- Incarceration
- Revocation of probation (serving out the remainder of your sentence in jail)
A probation violation’s most dreaded consequence is a judge revoking your probation. These consequences can be excessively harsh.
Further, unlike a criminal conviction that requires the prosecution to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, proving that you violated probation only requires a “preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it’s more likely than not that you committed the violation.
What To Do If You Believe You May Have Violated Probation
While your goal is to satisfy the conditions of your probation and complete the program, life sometimes gets in the way. The first step is to contact a probation violation law firm to discuss what happened and explore your options.
Even if you did violate your probation terms, you’re not necessarily facing a one-way ticket back to jail. A judge will consider your situation as a whole, including the severity of the violation, whether this is your first time violating probation, and other factors.
Work Closely With Thomas G. Briody, an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney, As Soon As You Suspect You May Have a Probation Violation Issue
Our probation lawyer, Thomas G. Briody, will help you understand your legal options in the face of a potential probation violation issue.
Whether that involves investigating the situation further, gathering evidence, reviewing your case to discover potential constitutional violations, or all of the above, you can count on our law firm to build a strong defense and advocate on your behalf to minimize any consequences of an alleged violation.
Law Offices of Thomas G. Briody — Aggressive, Compassionate Defense
Why Choose the Law Offices of Thomas G. Briody?
You need help right now to improve your legal situation and put your life back together. Time is of the essence. We are here to guide you and advocate on your behalf. Move past the paralyzing anxiety and begin protecting your future. The sooner you reach out, the better we may be able to help you, so call the Law Offices of Thomas G. Briody in Providence, Rhode Island, today.
- Aggressive, compassionate defense from an advocate who is deeply familiar with the intricacies of the legal system in Rhode Island
- Strong and effective representation for both state and federal criminal allegations
- Experience building on three decades of Rhode Island criminal defense cases
- Personal, individualized direct handling of your case from a seasoned Rhode Island attorney
- A strong record representing individuals accused of crimes, ranging from teenagers to high-ranking government officials
- Creative tactics to preserve opportunities for your future and to clear your name
- Peace of mind under pressure
