If you are facing criminal charges, it can be scary. Your attorney likely reviewed the maximum possible prison sentence you could receive. Hearing about the possibility of months or years in prison made you imagine how your life, your job, your family could be forever changed.
Then, you heard that you can just do a term of probation and be done with it. You thought a lifeline was just tossed your way. But, it is important to know that probation is difficult to complete. While probation is better than prison, the conditions are harsh and also life changing.
If you do not strictly abide by the rules set forth in the contract, you will likely find yourself in front of the same judge - again. You'll have to explain why or how you violated the probation terms. And you'll have to explain why you should get another chance to successfully complete probation. Thus, I cannot stress the importance of knowing what you'll have to do while you're on probation to avoid the risk of receiving the prison penalty you once faced.
You Should Thoroughly Review the Contract With Your Attorney
In Kansas, you can expect the conditions of probation to include:
- Reporting to you Probation Officer (PO) at such time and in the manner directed by the PO.
- Paying all court costs and fees according to the Court's timeline.
- Attending probation programs, like theft classes or alcohol rehabilitation.
- Not associating with convicts or other people on probation.
- No consumption of alcohol.
- No possession of a firearm.
- Clearing all warrants.
- Maintain full time employment or the education equivalent.
- Submission to random testing for drugs or alcohol.
- No new law violations.
One of the harshest conditions is that you cannot go to places where alcohol is sold for consumption on the premises, except in the course of employment. That includes almost every non-fast food restaurant. Sometimes, depending on the circumstances of your case, your attorney may be able to get this condition altered. But there is no guarantee.
Of course, this list is not complete. The judge has the ability to tailor the conditions of your probation to address the allegations of your case. If you have questions about probation, feel free to give Stolte Law, LLC a call.