Getting Your Probation Reinstated
It is important to know what it means to get your probation reinstated. Getting your probation reinstated means that you have violated your probation in some way, to begin with, and you are now looking to stay on probation after receiving your charge rather than going back to jail. A new violation can be issued for anything from picking up a new charge, failing a drug test/a dirty urine screen, or not paying your court-ordered fines – these can all can get your probation revoked and get you sent back to jail. If your probation is revoked due to any of the aforementioned, the judge can even consider putting your original sentence in effect, which means you will serve the rest of the time incarcerated that you were originally let out on probation for.
If, however, your attorney can convince the district attorney that you are innocent of the new charge, the DA may agree to drop the charge altogether. If the charge against you is dropped, and you are able to get your probation reinstated, this means that you will simply go back on probation without facing any more jail time.
The judge also has the right to let you have another chance and reinstate your probation without having the new charge dropped, but this depends wholly on your situation, the nature of your offense, and whether or not you can convince the judge that you deserve this second chance. There are things you can do to increase chances of probation reinstatement.
Here is a list of things you can do to increase the chances of having your probation reinstated:
Work
Showing the court that you are doing your best to work and make a life for yourself is going to highly aid you in getting your probation reinstated. You want to show the judge that you are a hard-working individual, that takes his or her responsibilities seriously. Also, making it known that your work could be jeopardized due to jail time could aid the court in making a decision in your favor.
Enroll in School
This is a great way to show the courts that you have been rehabilitated and that you are ready to become a contributing member of society. Enrolling in school shows the judge that you are expanding your career opportunities as well as your mind, which may help to get a ruling in your favor – especially if by interrupting your education the judge deems that sentencing you would do more harm than good.
Dress the part
If you are going to attend court, there is a good chance that everyone else there is going to be wearing a suit and tie. If you arrive at court looking disheveled – perhaps in ripped up jeans and a tank top – there is a good chance that the judge is going to view you as not being prepared, and may assume that you are not taking your case seriously. Remember, you are trying to prove to the judge that you are of good moral character – that you are someone that can be respected and trusted to make the right decisions. By showing up to the courtroom looking under or inappropriately dressed, there is a good chance that the judge is not going to reinstate your probation, just by having an idea of the type of individual he is dealing with before you or your attorney even has the chance to argue in your favor.
Find an experienced attorney
Finding the right attorney will give you the best chance of success for probation reinstatement. You are going to court because you have failed to maintain the terms of your probation and you may be facing jail or prison time, this is a serious situation that calls for a serious defense. Hiring an attorney to defend you and to shed the best possible light on your character will highly increase your chances of going back on probation without having to serve any more time in jail.
When looking for an experienced attorney, consider John Tumelty Law. Mr. Tumelty is a passionate and dedicated New Jersey criminal defense attorney committed to giving his clients the communication and support they deserve. He will meet with you and discuss all aspects of your case and will explain the legal process in clear and plain terms. He will lay out a game plan for an effective defense, and will personally be at your side as he fights diligently for the reinstatement of your probation. Contact his office today to schedule a consultation.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
