Toccoa, GA Criminal Defense Law Firms & Lawyers

When a person is placed on probation following sentencing, or released on parole after serving a prison sentence, they are provided with a list of terms and conditions they must follow while under supervision. While the most obvious grounds for a petition to revoke probation or parole are failing to report to the supervising officer or committing a new offense, the reality is that failure to abide by any of the conditions can result in the filing of a petition to revoke. Typical examples of other conditions include: undergoing random urinalysis; refraining from illegal drug use or excessive consumption of alcohol; not leaving the state without permission; obtaining or maintaining employment; and not changing residences without permission. Parolees may be ordered not to associate with other felons. There may also be special conditions imposed relating to the individual's particular offense. For example, a person on probation or parole for a sex offense may be barred from using the internet or being around young children. A financial crime such as theft or fraud may result in a condition that the probationer or parolee not open any new bank accounts or credit card accounts without permission. A drug offender may be required to undergo and pay for drug treatment. A domestic violence offender may be ordered to undergo anger management classes. If you haven't already received a copy of your terms and conditions, or if you have lost them, you should ask your probation or parole officer for a copy and read them carefully. The bottom line is probation and parole are no walk in the park. They come with responsibilities, and should you not comply with the terms and conditions, the District Attorney can ask the court to revoke you. If you have received a petition to revoke your probation, or been advised one is forthcoming, I recommend you seek out experienced counsel right away. He or she can attempt to resolve the matter and avoid a revocation. Even if negotiations fail, an attorney can make a big difference both at the court hearing on the violation and at a penalty hearing, should you be found to have violated probation. He or she can present mitigating evidence on your behalf and perhaps convince the judge to give you another chance and continue your probation despite the violation.

It depends. Both could be convicted or charged with numerous crimes including murder, accessory after the fact to murder, lying to the police, perjury, and obstructing justice just to name a few. It is never a good idea to lie to the courts or to the police as it'll only make matters much worse. Both would be better off in exercising your constitutional rights to remain silent and retain a lawyer.