Probation violations are one of the most common arrests made in Las Vegas. If you or a loved one has been arrested for a probation violation, let the attorneys at The Wright Law Group, P.C. help you through the process. Please call us immediately at (702) 405-0001.
Here are just some of the frequently asked questions we get from our clients regarding probation violations.
What is the difference between probation and parole?
While some people use the terms interchangeably, the terms meanings are completely different:
Parole – The term is used only after you have been sentenced to serve time in prison, and you are released from prison to serve out the rest of your sentence in the public sector. The Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners will decide whether you are eligible for parole. The reasons to grant parole differ, but generally, the Board will look at what crime you committed, whether you pose a threat to society, and how well you conducted yourself while in prison (did you get your GED, did you work, etc.).
Probation
After you are either found guilty by a judge or jury OR you have plead guilty to a specific crime, you may be sentenced to certain amount of prison/jail time. Probation is an immediate suspension of a prison sentence. For example, you are convicted of a felony, which could mean up to several years in prison. Instead of sending you to prison, the judge can suspend your sentence and place you on probation instead of sending you to prison.
While under either Parole OR Probation, there are certain terms that you must abide by. Failure to abide by these terms means revocation of your parole or probation and immediate incarceration.
Types of common violations include, but are not limited to:
- Getting arrested on a new charge
- Failing to report to your probation/parole officer
- Failure to maintain a residence
- Failure to pass a drug test
- Possession of firearms/weapons
- Traveling out-of-state without permission
What should we expect if I am arrested for a probation violation?
Once a person has violated his/her probation, a warrant is issued for his/her arrest. Once in custody, you or your loved one will sit in jail until a motion is made by the State (District Attorney’s Office) to revoke probation.
Once in front of a judge, he/she may:
- Continue or revoke the probation (suspension of sentence)
- Decide whether residential confinement is appropriate
- Decide whether to undergo a program of “regimental discipline”
- Cause to be imposed the original jail and/or prison time
- Modify the sentence (including reduction of prison time and causing the modified term to be imposed)
What should I do if a family member or a loved one is arrested for a probation violation?
Call our office immediately at (702) 405-0001. The Wright Law Group, PC can help you through this daunting process. Call us now at (702) 405-0001 to arrange a consultation.