Alexandria Probation Violation Lawyer

Probation Violation Attorney in Alexandria, LA

Getting accused of violating your probation means your freedom is at risk, even though your case may have felt final. At LaCour Law Firm, we know how frightening this time can be for you. Probation violation charges are one of the quicker offenses handled by judges. It’s important to have your defense ready and waiting from day one. An Alexandria, LA, probation violation lawyer can help you do so.

Our Alexandria criminal defense lawyer, Christopher LaCour, has spent countless hours in court handling probation violation hearings. Chris understands how easy it is for someone to go to jail over a technicality or simple misunderstanding. Our job is to protect what you have already worked for.

About LaCour Law Firm

LaCour Law Firm wants to be the lawyer that our clients turn to when life gets hard. We help those with cases at the Rapides Parish Courthouse located at 701 Murray Street in Alexandria, LA. We take pride in handling each and every probation violation with urgency, preparedness, and respect.

Chris comes from a public defender and trial lawyer background. That experience shines through in our work. We don’t treat you like another file. We treat you like a human being whose life matters.

Understanding Probation Violation

People on probation are the largest group of individuals under community supervision in the United States, including over 3.7 million adults. In 2022, there were 2,896 individuals incarcerated due to their probation revocation in Louisiana. Of these, 1,980 were due to technical revocations.

Probation serves as an alternative to incarceration by requiring individuals to meet specific court-mandated conditions. If the court believes you have failed to meet their conditions, they can punish you by revoking your probation and sentencing you to jail or prison.

If you have been accused of violating your probation, you are not being charged with a new crime. However, the punishment can be equally as harsh, if not worse. Common probation violations include:

• Failing to show up for appointments
• Failing a drug or alcohol test
• Not completing court-ordered classes
• Committing a new crime

Sometimes these violations are intentional, but many times, they are not. For example, someone can miss an appointment due to a lack of transportation. Others receive inaccurate notices or simply misunderstand the judge’s orders. Even if your actions broke the judge’s orders, this doesn’t automatically mean you should face jail time.

An Alexandria probation violation attorney knows how to navigate the fine line of explaining why a violation happened and convincing the judge that you deserve another chance. Judges want to know if the violation was committed purposefully, whether you have made progress in probation, and if probation is still suitable for you.

Potential Penalties for Probation Violation

A judge has many options when it comes to handling a probation violation. The outcomes of probation violation hearings vary from minor penalties to potential jail sentences. A judge can let you continue your probation with no change, given the circumstances.

If the violation is minor, your lawyer can argue that you should not be punished. A judge can also extend your probation or add additional terms like community service. If your violation is severe, the judge can revoke your probation and sentence you to jail or prison.

Since the burden of proof is lower in a probation violation case than it is in regular criminal cases, the state typically has the upper hand. For this reason, it’s crucial that you hire a probation violation lawyer who knows how to attack the state’s accusations and argue for your freedom rather than jail.

Hire a Probation Violation Lawyer

The feeling of a potential probation revocation might feel like everything is collapsing. However, this moment does not have to spell the end for your future. You need a professional who knows probation violation laws while offering empathetic care.

​​Our firm believes that a single setback should not erase all your progress in your legal journey. Many probation violation cases achieve positive results without leading to revocation or jail time.

FAQs

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Probation Violation?

Probation violation attorneys can range in price depending on the severity of your violation, whether you are currently facing jail time, and the complexity of your violation hearing. Some probation violations only require you to appear in court for a quick hearing. Other times, you may need to meet with your lawyer multiple times and spend days or weeks working on your case. The more work your lawyer must do, the more their services will cost.

How Do I Fix a Probation Violation?

The first step to fixing your probation violation is to take action immediately and treat the violation seriously. This could include making up missed requirements, obtaining evidence that you have been complying with your probation terms, and offering mitigating evidence to the court.

An attorney can speak on your behalf and help show the court that there was a misunderstanding with your violation and that reinstatement is a better option than punishment.

What Happens If You Violate Probation in Louisiana?

If you violate probation in Louisiana, the court will either issue you a warrant or schedule a violation of probation hearing. The judge could continue your probation with no changes, modify your probation terms, extend the length of your probation supervision, or revoke your probation and sentence you to jail or prison. Judges have wide discretion in these hearings, so it really depends on how you fight the violation.

Can a Probation Violation Be Dismissed?

Yes, a probation violation can be dismissed. If your violation of probation allegation is completely unsubstantiated, based on wrong information, or wasn’t a willful violation of your probation terms, your violation can be dropped. With strong representation, your lawyer can get the violation dismissed or your probation reinstated without any penalties.

Your Favorite Lawyer’s Favorite Lawyer

If you have been charged with a probation violation, it does not have to be the end of your future. LaCour Law Firm can help you fight for your rights. Contact us today for a consultation.