Mistakes To Avoid During Your Probation To Make Completing Your Probation Easy

If you were found guilty of a crime and sentenced to probation, meaning you are serving your sentence in the community, it is crucial that you avoid making mistakes that could make completing your probation harder. As it is already, successfully completing probation is not easy. So making certain mistakes will only make it harder to complete your probation. If you are on probation, it is best to consult an attorney with experience in all stages of the criminal justice system, including probation. An experienced attorney can help you understand how to complete your probation successfully. But before you reach out to an attorney, read on to learn about some of the mistakes to avoid during your probation that could make completing your probation harder.

Mistake #1: Failing To Understand the Terms of Your Probation

The first mistake you can make that can make completing your probation harder is failing to understand the terms of your probation. Conditions of probation vary from case to case. However, some conditions apply to almost all offenders. These include abstaining from the use of drugs or alcohol, submitting to drug tests, obeying all laws, and maintaining employment. If you violate any of the conditions of your probation, even unknowingly, it could cause problems with your probation officer.

Mistake #2: Not Making a Plan

There is a famous saying that states, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” This applies even to probationers. To meet the conditions of your probation, you must plan. For example, you need to plan to be on time for your community service. You need to plan to meet with your probation officer as required. You can highly benefit from keeping a calendar.

Mistake #3: Thinking “Minor” Violations Will Not Be Taken Seriously

You might assume that committing a minor violation will not be considered a big deal. For example, you might assume that associating with someone you are not allowed to associate with is not a big deal. This is farthest from the truth. Even a “minor” violation can cause major problems for you. If you commit a “minor” violation, your probation officer might suspect you are committing other more serious violations. Minor violations can also lead to a complaint being filed against you. If a complaint is filed, and you are found guilty of the charged violation, several things could happen. For example, more conditions could be added to your probation, or your probation could be revoked.

Mistake #4: Assuming Your Probation Officer Will Not Find Something Out

Besides refraining from assuming that “minor” violations are not a big deal, you should avoid thinking that your probation officer will not find something. After doing something wrong, you should not assume that it will go away. If you have concerns about the steps to take after doing something wrong, it is best that you consult your attorney instead of hoping your mistake will disappear. Your probation officer has many ways of finding out things.

Contact an NYC Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are on probation and need to consult a qualified criminal defense attorney, contact our NYC criminal attorney, Mark I. Cohen, Esq., at 212-732-0002.