What to Expect After a Probation or Parole Violation
If you’re on probation or parole, it can feel like you’re walking on a tightrope. One mistake, or even an accusation, can land you back in court or, worse, back behind bars. Understanding what happens after a violation and how our criminal defense attorney can help is critical to protecting your freedom and your future.
Types of Probation and Parole Violations
In Bethlehem and throughout Pennsylvania, violations generally fall into two categories:
- Technical violations – These involve breaking the rules set by the court or parole board, such as:
- Missing appointments with your probation or parole officer
- Failing a drug or alcohol test
- Breaking curfew or leaving approved areas
- Not completing required programs or community service
- New criminal offenses – Being charged with a new crime while on supervision is a serious violation and can trigger both a new case and a violation hearing.
Even what may seem like a “minor” violation can still lead to significant consequences, especially if you have prior violations or a profound underlying conviction.
What to Expect After a Probation or Parole Violation in Bethlehem
If your probation or parole officer believes you violated the terms of your supervision, several things may happen:
- Detainer or Arrest – A detainer may be lodged against you, or you may be arrested and held pending a hearing.
- Violation Report – Your officer submits a report detailing what rule or condition you allegedly broke.
- Violation Hearing – You will appear before a judge (for probation) or the Parole Board/hearing examiner (for parole) to determine whether a violation occurred.
- Decision and Sentencing – If the court or board finds a violation, they can modify, extend, or revoke your supervision and may send you to jail or prison.
The standard of proof at a violation hearing is lower than in a regular criminal trial, which means the government doesn’t need as much evidence to prove the violation. That’s one reason having an attorney is so essential.
How Our Defense Attorney Can Help with a Violation
A Bethlehem probation and parole violation lawyer can play a crucial role in protecting your rights at every stage. At Crouthamel Law Offices, an attorney can:
- Review the alleged violation and the conditions of your probation or parole
- Challenge weak, inaccurate, or unsupported allegations
- Present evidence that you complied or that the violation was minor or unintentional
- Argue for alternatives to incarceration, such as continued supervision, treatment, or modified conditions
- Explain how your progress, employment, family responsibilities, or sobriety support a second chance
The goal is not just to fight the violation itself, but to reduce the risk of losing your freedom.
Act Quickly: Contact a Probation & Parole Violation Attorney
If you’ve been accused of violating probation or parole in Bethlehem, PA, time is not on your side. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of limiting the damage and staying with your family and community.
Call Crouthamel Law Offices today at 610-428-3386 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with a Bethlehem criminal defense attorney. Let us stand between you and the harshest consequences of a probation or parole violation.