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Probation Violations: Consequences and Remedies in Ohio

Updated: November 23, 2023
Nicholas G. Gounaris
By Nicholas G. Gounaris
Lawyer

Nicholas G. Gounaris is a skilled trial lawyer and founding partner of Gounaris Abboud law firm. He provides clients of the firm with competent legal representation and focuses his law practice in the areas of DUI Defense, Criminal Defense, Family Law Issues, Federal Criminal Law and Personal Injury cases.

Choosing an Experienced Ohio Probation Defense Attorney Could Help You Achieve the Best Possible Outcome for Your Case

Probation Violation in Ohio

Ohio courts refer to probation as “community control.” Community control means that a judge allowed you to live in the community after a conviction for a criminal offense instead of going to jail.

Typically, the court will impose sanctions or restrictions on your liberty while you serve your time on probation. Failing to meet your conditions leads to severe probation violation consequences in Ohio.

If you face a probation violation in Ohio, you should speak with a lawyer who has substantial experience defending probation violations. As we will explain, a judge has significant power over you while you are in a community control program.

Aligning yourself with a law firm that has a reputation for fighting for its clients and winning the toughest fights might be your best chance to avoid incarceration.

Call (937) 222-1515 or fill out our online form below for a free consultation.

What Are the Possible Probation Violation Consequences in Ohio?

Probation is a valuable tool in American courts. Not every offender deserves jail as punishment for every crime, and many people benefit from their time on community control.

People get help to overcome the challenges that lead them into the criminal justice system with probation.

Probation is essentially a contract. The terms of the agreement are simple: the judge promises not to put you in jail or prison if you abide by probation terms. Your probation ends when you complete the requirements the judge imposed or you violate your probation.

What Does the Court Consider a Probation Violation in Ohio?

Breaking any of the terms of your community control is a probation violation. Some people face probation violation consequences in Ohio because they did not complete a program or failed a drug test.

Some courts refer to these violations as “technical violations.” Others have a probation violation in Ohio because they face new criminal charges.

Your probation officer can ask for a warrant to arrest you if you violate probation. The judge may order you held in jail until the final probation hearing. You might not be able to post bond if the judge determines that is necessary.

Three Possible Outcomes for an Ohio Probation Violation

You have the right to a hearing before the judge revokes your probation. You can present evidence that could help you at the hearing, and you have the right to cross-examine witnesses.

These valuable due process protections ensure that a court does not revoke your probation unlawfully. Having an aggressive Ohio probation violation defense lawyer will safeguard your rights to a fair hearing.

After a hearing, the judge has three options:

  1. Enter a finding of “no violation”;
  2. Find you in violation of probation and reprobate or extend probation — sometimes judges will add more conditions to your community control;
  3. Find you in violation of your probation, revoke your probation, and sentence you to prison or jail.

The judge has broad discretion when it comes to probation violation hearings. You stand a better chance of convincing the judge that you should remain on probation instead of going to jail with a dedicated defense lawyer skilled in representing people with probation violations in Ohio.

A Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You Avoid Probation Violation Consequences in Ohio

Contact an Ohio probation violation defense lawyer from Gounaris Abboud as soon as you learn that you violated community control. You stand the best chance to correct the violation before landing in jail.

Our firm will work with your probation officer to rectify any issues so that you can continue on your path to rehabilitation. If police allege you committed a new crime, we will aggressively fight the new case and your probation violation.

Contact Gounaris Abboud, LPA, today at (937) 222-1515 or fill out the short online form to speak with our award-winning criminal defense attorneys recognized as Super Lawyers in Ohio for the last decade.

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