Montgomery County Parole/Probation Violations Lawyer

Parole can be an opportunity for criminal offenders to receive an early release from a prison sentence. Probation is different because it is characterized by supervision outside of a correctional environment versus incarceration as punishment for a crime. However, individuals on parole or probation must follow many rules. If these rules are violated, individuals face the prospect of a return to prison without a trial and other severe criminal penalties. The rules depend on the crime and may vary depending on the type and severity of the offense. 

Being accused of violating your parole or probation in Montgomery County or across Southeastern Pennsylvania could turn your whole life upside down. In some cases, this could happen because of a simple error. The experienced defense lawyers at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. are here to stand up for your rights. 

Our Montgomery County parole and probation violation lawyers know the court system inside and out. We understand how the state formally determines credit for time served in prison and what that means if you violate your parole agreement. Contact us online or by phone to speak with an experienced Montgomery County, Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer.

Have You Been Charged with Violating Your Probation or Parole in PA?

At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, our parole and probation violation lawyers handle a wide range of criminal defense matters for clients throughout Montgomery County and Bucks County of Pennsylvania.

After being granted probation, you will face intense scrutiny and be forced to meet several legal obligations. If you are accused of violating your parole or probation terms, it is critical to take legal actions swiftly. If you fail to resolve your situation working with an experienced parole and probation attorney, you could find yourself back in prison for the remainder of your sentence. 

However, it’s essential to realize that rules for parole or probation violations can often be ambiguous. These rules may sometimes be open to interpretation depending on the probation or parole officer to which your case has been assigned. A stricter parole or probation officer might watch for any sign of an infraction to violate you. 

At the same time, a different person might be a bit more lenient with some of the supervision parameters. For instance, those on parole or probation must seek verifiable and legal employment upon release, which can be a challenge with a recent criminal case. Depending on the person overseeing your case, not trying hard enough to find a job can be enough to violate you.

In many instances, the judge ruling on such violations has discretion on sending the defendant back to jail. With so much on the line, we highly encourage you to seek the advice of a skilled Montgomery County parole lawyer who has a thorough understanding of state and federal laws and navigating Pennsylvania’s legal system.

Our team can help you navigate the complexities of this system when accused of a violation and educate you on your best options. If you are on parole or probation, this means that you are likely already taking steps to get your life going in the right direction again. Don’t just give it all up with one violation. Let us help you to deal with potential roadblocks while on supervision.

What Is the Difference between Parole and Probation in Pennsylvania? 

Parole lets convicted offenders receive an early release from prison, while probation is a substitution to incarceration. Whether you are on parole or probation, it’s crucial to realize that you’re still under the supervision of the criminal law system. 

If you break the rules laid out by your parole or probation officer, you may incur legal problems that end up with you behind bars. When you partner with our Montgomery County, PA parole/probation violation attorneys, we immediately work on your case. We will look closely at the reason for the violation and implement your extensive expertise and legal knowledge to help you resolve the situation with the best possible outcome for your circumstances. 

We work on keeping you out of jail by first examining your case. Then, we can devise a thoughtful defense strategy that is unique to your circumstances. We recognize how challenging it can be to walk such a careful line when it comes to this level of supervision and are well-versed in what violations may be easier to defend against over others.

What Are the Penalties for Violating Probation or Parole in Montgomery County, PA?

If you’re on probation, you will likely be required to regularly report to a probation officer, typically one or two times per week. Less severe crimes might require more infrequent check-ins, and initial parole check-ins might be more numerous than probation reporting. It all depends on the nature of the offense and how many times you have offended in the past. 

You must submit to drug testing during this probation time and cannot be arrested for other criminal offenses. This individual may have to engage in routine visits to residence to verify that you are living where you say you are; the same applies to your place of employment (if you have one). 

If law enforcement demonstrates that you violated your probation order, you may face the following penalties:

• An extension of your probation, potentially by years
• Incarceration
• Hefty fines
• Community service
• Counseling or a rehabilitation program

Similar to a probation violation, failure to abide by a parole order can lead to significant consequences. If you’re convicted, you may be forced to serve the rest of your sentence. Also, you may have to serve an even lengthier prison term due to the parole violation. If you suspect law enforcement is investigating you for a probation or parole violation, speak with a seasoned Montgomery County probation lawyer as soon as possible. We can advise you on the next steps to prevent you from inadvertently thwarting your legal defense with ill-advised actions. 

What Are Common Ways People Violate Parole in Pennsylvania?

Every individual’s parole or probation terms are different. Some have stringent probation rules, while others have fewer requirements as a condition of their parole agreement. These differences can confuse people who may not fully understand that what may be acceptable for one person on parole or probation may not be applicable to them. 

Common examples of parole and probation violations in Montgomery County, PA include:

• Failing to report to your parole officer
• Failing to take a mandatory drug or alcohol test or failing a mandatory drug or alcohol test
• Failing to meet curfew
• Failing to pay court-ordered fines
• Failing to fulfill community service obligations

Committing a new crime constitutes a violation, even if the crime in question does not seem serious to you. Depending on your release or supervision terms, there may be other requirements that can result in a violation if they are not honored. For example, if your supervision does not allow travel, even a last-minute emergency trip can constitute a violation. These are things that you may not consider in the moment of decision and underscore the importance of working with a skilled Montgomery County parole and probation violations attorney. 

Our Montgomery County parole violation attorneys are former prosecutors who understand the parole system from the inside. This means that we have long-standing relationships with those in the system who may be more amenable to working with us to resolve your case. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, we can work with prosecutors and parole officers to help you overcome these charges.

Schedule Your Free Consultation with Award-Winning Parole/Probation Violation Attorneys in Montgomery County, PA

Have you been accused of a parole or probation violation? At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C., our highly experienced and dedicated criminal defense lawyers have advocated for individuals in Montgomery County and throughout Pennsylvania for more than 65 years. 

Our talented legal team has earned various prestigious awards, including recognition with U.S. News—Best Law Firms 2021 and AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®. Schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable Montgomery County, PA parole violation lawyer today by calling 215-798-7081 or complete a contact form.

We are located right off Route 309, in Colmar, Hatfield Township, and offer free and convenient parking. We also maintain a Newtown, PA location and can even meet with you in your home or hospital if you cannot travel. Contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Parole/Probation Violations in Montgomery County

What is considered a probation violation in Pennsylvania?

Probation violations in Pennsylvania depend on the terms of your supervision. Committing a new crime constitutes a probation violation. Other common infractions include:  

• Failing to attend scheduled meetings with your probation officer
• Failing to submit to mandatory drug or alcohol testing or failing either/both tests
• Breaking predetermined curfews
• Failing to secure gainful employment
• Failing to pay any court costs/fines
• Failing to complete community service hours

What are the consequences of violating my probation?

The consequences of violating your probation depend on the nature of your charges and the extent of your supervision. You may be required to extend the length of your supervision to a much more extended period or be forced to add community service hours to your probation term. 

Depending on the nature of the offense and your probation officer, you may also be required to serve jail time for violating probation.

How can a Montgomery County parole and probation violation lawyer help me with my case?

Call a Montgomery County parole and probation violation lawyer immediately if you have committed a possible probation violation. It is essential to rely on someone with extensive experience and knowledge of the legal system. Moreover, a probation attorney that has cultivated relationships within the system can ensure that your case is resolved with optimal results.