If you’re given probation, you’re not just freely being released from prison with no stipulations. That probation is going to come with a number of specific terms that you must follow.
If you do not meet the terms of your probation, then you may see other charges, or you may have to return to prison to serve your sentence. It’s very important to understand exactly what your probation requires of you and to do everything that is asked.
What are those terms going to look like?
Every case is unique, and so you might have different terms for your probation than someone else. They’re going to be decided upon based on the details of your case. With that in mind, here are some of the more common ones that you may experience:
- Being told to refrain from drugs and alcohol and being asked to take regular tests
- Being instructed not to leave the state or a specific geographical area
- Being told that you must obey even the most minor of laws, such as speed limits or jaywalking laws
- Being instructed on when and where to meet with your probation officer and when to go to your scheduled court appearances
You can encounter serious ramifications even when something seems like a minor breach. For instance, maybe you were supposed to meet your probation officer at noon, and you didn’t remember until later that afternoon, at which point you’d missed the meeting. You may try to reschedule it, but they could accuse you of violating your probation, and then you must know what legal steps to take.