Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

In Los Angeles County, probation gives defendants a chance to turn their lives around while providing some support and guidance to help them succeed. (See our March 9 post on how the probation process works in Los Angeles County.) But once you're back on your home turf, hanging with your old friends, it can be easy to fall back into old habits and break the terms of your probation. "In Los Angeles County and the State of California, if a defendant breaks any of the rules imposed upon him or her during the probationary period, his or her probation can be revoked and jail time can be required," warns expert Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Stephen Rodriguez.

A defendant can be considered in violation of his parole if he:

• fails to pay a fine


• fails to pay restitution to a victim


• fails to complete community service


• fails to enroll in or complete drug/alcohol rehabilitation


• fails to appear in court for progress reports


• fails to report to his parole officer as scheduled


• possesses illegal drugs or weapons


• associates with known criminals


• commits a new crime


• is arrested, even if not charged

If the parole violation is not too serious, the defendant may be given a second chance; however, violating your parole can result in arrest and incarceration. Whether you are arrested or notified of a parole violation by mail, a court hearing will be scheduled during which the prosecutor must prove that you violated the terms of your probation. If the court finds you in violation, it can revoke, reinstate or extend your probation. Additional consequences can include jail time, additional probation terms, community service, physical labor, rehabilitation, counseling and other treatment programs.

Representation by a skilled and experienced probation attorney like Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer Stephen Rodriguez can positively affect your probation hearing. An expert probation defense attorney can properly prepare you to answer effectively at a hearing and protect your legal rights during a hearing. He can gather character and employment references and witness testimony to present on your behalf. A long-time Los Angeles criminal defense attorney like Stephen Rodriguez will have the critical relationship with the L.A. prosecutor's office and probation department necessary to effectively negotiate alternatives to jail.