Probation Violations

Probation, parole, and supervised release mean being supervised by a corrections officer. Some people call this being “on paper.” If the Probation Officer thinks you have violated, he files a violation report specifying which terms and conditions are violated. Often the defendant is arrested and held in custody pending the probation revocation hearing. Generally, the original sentencing judge presides over the probation revocation hearing in Mississippi.

The best Mississippi criminal defense lawyers can show you how to succeed on probation.

1. You must report;
2. No alcohol;
3. No drugs; and
4. No arrests.

Whether you are on federal supervised release or state parole or post release supervision, observe these four rules to keep your freedom.

Below are customary conditions of probation:

1. (a) Commit no offense against the laws of this or any other state of the United States, or any federal, territorial or tribal jurisdiction of the United States;

2. (b) Report to the probation or parole officer as directed;

3. (c) Permit the probation or parole officer to visit him at home or elsewhere;

4. (d) Avoid injurious or vicious habits;

5. (e) Avoid persons or places of disreputable or harmful character;

6. (f) Remain within the State of Mississippi unless authorized to leave on proper application therefor;

7. (g) Support dependants;

8. (h) Abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages of any kind or character and abstain from using narcotic drugs of any kind unless prescribed by a licensed physician and then only as prescribed;

9. (i) Waive extradition to the State of Mississippi from any jurisdiction in or outside of the United States where Defendant may be found and the defendant will not contest any effort by any jurisdiction to return Defendant to the State of Mississippi;

10. (j) Pay to the Mississippi Department of Corrections monthly supervision fees by certified check or money order until discharged from supervision;

11. (k) Submit to any type of breath, saliva or urine chemical analysis test, the purpose of which is to detect the possible presence of alcohol or a substance prohibited or controlled by any law of the State of Mississippi or the United States;

12. (l) Attend and complete any special program or counseling as directed by the Court or the supervising officer, and pay any fees as required for services; and

13. (m) Not possess any type of weapon.

In addition to the above standard terms and conditions of probation, the court may impose any other appropriate conditions. For example, no casinos, no contact with the victim or potential victims, known criminals or co-defendants and alcohol and drug counseling and treatment. Read your probation order carefully.

Even if the judge finds that probation was violated, the court has discretion to impose a wide range of remedies and sanctions. Depending on how serious the probation violation is, the judge could still reinstate probation with additional conditions. If the violation is serious, such as a new felony arrest or absconding supervision, the judge is authorized to impose the original suspended sentence. Intermediate remedial actions such as alcohol and drug testing, rehabilitation, psychological testing, community service, or restitution center may be available. The maximum Mississippi probation is 5 years. The maximum post release supervision is 5 years with the balance being unsupervised.

Recent amendments to Mississippi’s probation law provide leniency. Technical violations are promptly heard, with an informal preliminary hearing within 72 hours, and a full hearing withing 21 days. A technical violation such as drug use or non reporting is punished by up to 90 dyas on a first violation or 120 days in a Technical Violation Center (TVC). A third technical violation can be sentenced to 180 days in a TVC or restitution center. A fourth technical violation can be punished by imposing the remainder of the sentence.

Gulfport defense lawyer Rufus Alldredge has handled numerous revocations of probation, post release supervision, parole, and federal supervision release. Many times all that is needed is to clarify the client’s understanding of what is expected and ask the court for another chance.

House arrest, also call the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) or home detention, is electronic monitoring. House arrest can be monitored by a traditional phone line or GPS which signals the Defendant’s location. The Defendant is allowed to go to work but otherwise remains at home and subject to a strict curfew. House arrest is considered the functional equivalent of incarceration. Any violations of House Arrest are heard before the Mississippi Department of Corrections and not the judge. Federal probation is similar but the terms and conditions, and any revocations of supervised release are handled according to federal law.

If you have a loved one with a probation violation, call immediately. Call the law office of Rufus Alldredge today at 228.863.0123. We are located at 1921 22^nd Avenue in Gulfport, Mississippi.