Accused Of Violating Your Probation?
When someone is placed on probation as part of a criminal sentence, specific guidelines must be followed, and checking in with a probation officer on a specific schedule is required in order to satisfy the terms of his or her probation. This can be a challenging, confusing situation that often leads to charges of probation violations. If you or someone you care about has been charged with a probation violation, Cotton & Gates, Attorneys at Law, can help you. We have more than 30 years of criminal defense experience in the Florida Panhandle and understand the seriousness of these charges. To schedule a free consultation with a lawyer, call us today at 850-651-9900. We provide results-oriented representation for people in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, Crestview and elsewhere in northwest Florida.
Probation Violations Are Handled Differently From Other Charges
Unlike other charges, you will not receive a trial by jury in your probation violation case. You are only entitled to a judge trial in a violation of probation case. Also, the prosecution will not have to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt; it will only be required to prove it by a preponderance of the evidence. As if the deck was not stacked against you enough, hearsay is admissible in probation violation hearings. With so much not in your favor after being charged with a probation violation, it is critical to have an experienced defense attorney handling your case. If found guilty of the violation, you could be sent to jail or prison, have your probation revoked and replaced with more restrictive probation or community control, or have the penalties of a previously suspended sentence imposed on you.
Free Consultation With A Probation Violation Hearing Attorney
You need a serious defense against this serious charge. Contact our firm to speak to a knowledgeable attorney about your probation violation case.
Your Attorney
Cassie M. Reed is a former prosecutor who now leads our criminal defense and family law practice across Okaloosa County. To discuss your case, call 850-651-9900 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Serving Fort Walton Beach and All of Okaloosa County
Looking for a probation violation attorney near you? Cotton & Gates serves Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, Crestview, Shalimar, and the surrounding Okaloosa County communities. Most clients reach our Shalimar office in 15 minutes or less from anywhere in Okaloosa County.
Need a complete overview of our Fort Walton Beach legal services? See our Lawyers in Fort Walton Beach page for a firm-wide summary, attorney profiles, service-area details, and answers to questions about working with Cotton & Gates.