West Chester

Probation Violation Lawyer

The penalties for probation violations in West Chester can be harsh. If you suspect that your probation officer will submit an affidavit to the trial court alleging that you violated the terms of your probation, defend yourself.

A criminal defense attorney can help you avoid severe repercussions from a probation violation or gain you additional time to comply with the terms of your probation.

Your West Chester criminal defense attorney can help you prove that any alleged violation was not willful or substantial.

Skinner Law Firm’s West Chester probation violation lawyer represents persons accused of violating probation in Pennsylvania, including West Chester in Chester County, Media in Delaware County, Norristown in Montgomery County, and Lancaster in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Contact Skinner Law Firm today at 610-436-1410 for a consultation about the particular facts and circumstances of your alleged violation of probation.

Substantive Violations vs. Technical Violations of Probation

It is a condition of probation that you generally consent to search your person, residence, or property if there is reasonable suspicion for a probation violation.

Violations of probation can include both substantive violations and technical violations of the law.

  • Substantive violations are a new violation of federal law, state law, county or municipal ordinance, or court order while currently on probation.
  • Under Pennsylvania law, technical violations are the failure to comply with any particular condition imposed by the court or the probation officer as a requirement to your probation.

Individuals on probation who are arrested or questioned by law enforcement for a new violation or crime must notify their probation officer within 24 hours.

Examples Of Probation Violations In West Chester, PA

Probation violations in West Chester can take many different forms. That is one of the primary reasons why probation violations occur. Individuals on probation may not always be aware that they are committing such offenses.

Common examples of probation violations in West Chester:

  • Failure to report to your probation officer
  • Failure to complete required community service hours
  • Failure to complete required counseling or treatment programs, including:
    • Domestic Batterers Intervention Program
    • Anger Management Classes
    • Fathers Group Counseling
    • Alcohol Safe Driving Program Enhanced Supervision Program
    • Drug/Alcohol Evaluation
    • Treatment Intensive Supervision
    • Intermediate Punishment Program
    • Sex Offender Program
    • Mental Health Protocol
    • Domestic Violence Program
    • Guardian Interlock Chronic Substance Abuse Program
  • Failure to leave the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania without the permission of your probation officer
  • Use of controlled substances or illegal narcotics
  • Possession of controlled substances or illicit narcotics
  • Sale of controlled substances or illegal narcotics
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages, where applicable
  • Failure to pay court-ordered fines, costs, fees, or restitution
  • Failure to change your address without updating or getting permission from your probation officer
  • Failure to change jobs without updating or obtaining approval from your probation officer
  • Possession of firearms, ammunition, and certain deadly weapons

Defenses Against West Chester Probation Violations

Your West Chester probation violation attorney may be able to present a defense to your violation of probation, including the fact that the action was not willful or substantial.

With the help of a probation lawyer, you may be able to explain your reasoning for the alleged probation violation.

You may also have the opportunity to have these charges reduced or dismissed if your attorney can provide valid reasoning for the supposed probation violation.

In some cases, your attorney may be able to get your probation terminated early or the terms of your probation reworked in your favor.

Find out how a West Chester probation violation lawyer can help you when you contact Skinner Law Firm to discuss the circumstances of your case.

What Is the Interstate Compact for Adult Offenders?

This agreement among the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands governs how and when states can transfer probation and parole supervision. If you meet the necessary guidelines, an attorney can assist with transferring your supervision to a new jurisdiction.

Penalties for Violating Probation in West Chester

There are many different penalties you could face if you are found guilty of violating your probation in West Chester, including:

  • Imprisonment
  • Fines or court fees
  • Victim restitution
  • House arrest with electronic monitoring

In addition to being ordered to complete any jail or prison time related to your original charges, you could also face new charges relating to your probation violation.

These could be misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the details of your case. If convicted, you must complete the original terms of your original conviction in addition to probation violation charges.

Pennsylvania Probation Violation Resources

Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole

The Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole website contains information about probation and parole, county probation services, statistics, reports, and publications.

Probation Office for Chester County, Pennsylvania

This website answers frequently asked questions about adult probation, including the difference between probation and parole, the definition of intermediate punishment, ARD, travel restrictions for probationers, and how to send payments for fines or costs on probation.

Chester County Adult Probation and Parole Department
Chester County Justice Center
201 W. Market St., Suite 2100
P.O. Box 2746
West Chester, PA 19380
Phone: 610-344-6290

Probation and Parole Office for Delaware County, Pennsylvania

Find general information on this website, including statistics and articles about the Adult Probation and Parole Services, in conjunction with the Delaware County Criminal Justice Advisory Committee. The Delaware County Adult Probation and Parole has offices in Media, Chester, and Upper Darby.

Chester Probation Office in Delaware County
151 W. 5th St., 2nd Floor
Chester, PA 19013
Phone: 610-447-1746

Adult Probation and Parole Department for Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

The Montgomery County’s Probation and Parole website provides information on general supervision and intermediate punishments, the ARD program, house arrest, electronic monitoring, behavioral health court program, and drug treatment courts.

Main Office for Montgomery County Probation
100 Ross Rd., Suite 120
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Phone: 610-992-7777

Adult Probation and Parole Services in Lancaster County, PA

The website helps Lancaster County residents learn about coordinated services, standard supervision, Impaired Driver Program, community resources, and special offender services. This site also has information on supervision programs, including interstate and inter-county transfers.

Get Help From a Pennsylvania Probation Violation Attorney

Contact Skinner Law Firm today for a consultation about your alleged probation violation in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas of Lancaster County, Montgomery County, and Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

Attorney Michael J. Skinner will make every effort to help you avoid the most devastating penalties for allegations of violating your probation. Call 610-436-1410 for a free initial consultation about your probation violation for a felony or misdemeanor offense. Or fill out our online contact form, and we will contact you.