Probation is an alternative to incarceration after an individual has been charged with a crime in Florida. While it is perhaps one of the more desirable outcomes after a criminal infraction, many people don’t realize that probation can come with a stringent set of terms that may result in jail time for even the most minor violation.
Working with a criminal defense attorney like Brian P. Gabriel can help you better understand how to adhere to the terms of your probation so that you don’t end up behind bars for a violation.
Understanding the 7 Different Types of Probation in Florida
There are seven different types of probation in Florida, each with different requirements that dictate your obligations to the court. Here’s what you need to know.
Regular Probation
This is the most common form of probation in Florida. It stipulates that you must adhere to certain court conditions and submit to monitoring by your probation officer. Regular meetings are also part of the equation.
Administrative Probation
Administrative probation is almost exactly like regular probation only you are not required to attend regular meetings with your probation officer.
Community Control Probation
Community control probation is a stricter form of probation because it requires supervised custody. While you may not be incarcerated, you still must remain in a designated residential setting.
Community Control Probation II
This is another form of supervised probation where you are required to remain in a residential setting. The difference between regular community control probation and this second version is that you must be supervised 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sometimes, electronic monitoring is also part of this probation category.
Sex Offender Probation
Sex offender probation is a unique form of probation for those convicted of sex offenses as it sets forth a specific treatment plan and requires supervision via surveillance.
Community Control Probation (Sex Offenses)
This is similar to sex offender probation except it also requires the submission of blood samples to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Drug Offender Probation
This form of probation is for those who have served time for a drug-related offense and will adhere to a particular type of treatment within a substance abuse program.
How a Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You Navigate Probation
While you may have a good idea of what is expected of you during your probation, working with a Florida criminal defense attorney ensures that you don’t inadvertently take any action that violates the terms of your supervision. It is easier than you might think to run afoul of your probation guidelines through seemingly simple infractions. One violation is all it takes to undo all of your hard work.
A criminal defense attorney may be able to provide the kind of oversight that keeps you from being violated unfairly. Violations often occur quickly and without warning. If you already have a lawyer on your side who knows your case and the terms of your probation, you can respond promptly to any issues.
Schedule a Free Consultation to Learn More About Probation in Florida
Working with a criminal defense lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, whether you are already on probation or dealing with a criminal case that may result in probation. Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel has spent more than 30 years helping clients get the best probation terms for their circumstances. He will handle your case using all the knowledge and skill developed over the span of his career.
Call The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel at (561) 622-5575 or fill out a online contact form to schedule a free consultation today.