A Duval County Criminal Defense On Violation Of Probation
Whether you were sentenced to probation in lieu of jail time or were released from prison to serve out the rest of your sentence on probation, you are going to be closely monitored by the State of Florida. Sentences of probation have rules, the violation of which could land you back in jail.
Terms of Probation in FL
The judges in Duval and Saint Johns County generally deliver probation sentences that are consistent with those seen in other jurisdictions around the State of Florida. With this in mind, if you are sentenced to probation:
- You may be required to pay the cost of supervision.
- You will have to report to a probation officer periodically.
- You cannot possess or carry a firearm.
- You will have to submit to random drug testing. Intoxicants and non-prescription drugs are prohibited. There may also be restrictions on the consumption of alcohol as well.
- You will be subject to surprise inspections of your home or place of business
- You may not move without notifying, and in many cases seeking permission, from your probation officer.
- You may not associate with known criminals.
- You must submit two samples of DNA for analysis.
- You must not violate any other law.
Any deviation from the above requirements could violate your probation, which may lead to your arrest and additional sentences.
Reduced Rights for Violators of Probation
VOP hearings differ greatly from original crime proceedings. Once you are sentenced to probation in Duval County or anywhere else in FL, your rights are greatly diminished. For instance:
- There is no right to a bond while awaiting a probation hearing
- There’s no right to a jury trial
- You may be required to testify against yourself
- You don’t have to be proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
- Hearsay is admissible against you