Probation Violation

Violating terms of your probation is a serious matter and something that judges do not take lightly.

If you’ve been accused of violating probation, you need to make your first phone call to criminal defense attorney Michael Anzalone, who can help get your life back on track.

Remember, if you’ve been granted probation on any criminal matter, you need to strictly follow the judge’s order. The state statutes _ RSA 651:2 _ spells out the provisions for probation and penalties for violation of probation.

In New Hampshire, a judge may choose to grant probation to anyone who has been convicted on any felony or misdemeanor charge.

If you are grant probation, you will be given a set of guidelines that you must comply with.

For example, you’ll be required to report regularly to a probation officer who is in charge of overseeing your case and making sure that you are complying with all the rules. Your court order may also require drug testing, counseling and various travel restrictions. You may not be allowed to leave the county you live in without your probation officer’s permission, for instance. The probation officer may also set restrictions on the people you associate with. And, above all, you must have no new criminal activity.

If you’ve broken any of these conditions, please consult with criminal defense lawyer Michael Anzalone at The Anzalone Law Firm in Nashua, New Hampshire.

A probation officer may decide that you’ve violated the terms of your probation. When that happens you’ll be required to return to court for a hearing. Here’s the bad news. If the judge determines you broke the rules, he or she can impose a sentence up to the maximum punishment for the offense you were convicted of committing. You get no credit for time already served in prison on this offense either.

If you don’t show up for a meeting with your probation officer, a warrant can be issued for your arrest. If police officers stop you, you’ll be brought to jail on a violation of probation charge, in addition to any new offense you may be accused of committing.

If you are granted bail but have no one to bail you out, you could be stuck in jail for a while. Eventually you’ll have a violation of probation hearing during which the burden of proof still lies with prosecutors. They have to prove that you violated the terms of your probation.

In addition, you have the opportunity to see the evidence and to have your side of the case presented in court. This is why it’s essential that you have a criminal defense lawyer well-versed in New Hampshire law directing your case.

The second you are accused of violating your probation, your top priority should be contacting Michael Anzalone. He and his associates will give your case the kind of attention that may mean the difference between going back to jail or turning your life around.

Please fill out our online form and we’ll get in touch to set up a free consultation.