Probation in Maryland: Rules, Violations, and How to Avoid Common Mistakes

When given the choice, most people would select probation over prison or jail time. Being able to avoid a period of uninterrupted confinement is the preferable option in almost every way. 

However, probation does not come without its fair share of challenges. Specifically, violating probation is not as difficult as many people think. A violation of probation rules can result in an extension of the probation period or even a revocation, which can land a violator in jail or prison. 

Non-technical violations of probation in Maryland

A non-technical violation of your probation in Maryland has the potential to result in prison time. Essentially, when someone on probation breaks the law and is charged with a crime, it means that prison time is likely. Minor traffic offenses are exceptions to this rule. Otherwise, being aware of the risks associated with a non-technical probation violation is a huge part of daily vigilance as a person on probation. 

Technical violations of probation in Maryland

A technical violation of probation rules in Maryland is anything that falls outside the aforementioned non-technical violations of probation. These are, in comparison to the non-technical violations, relatively minor offenses which typically result in jail times of 15, 30, or 45 days. Extreme cases can land a violator in jail for up to the entire term of probation, however. 

To avoid a technical violation of probation rules in Maryland, consider that the person on probation should arrive on time or early to any probation officer meeting. Attending work consistently and avoiding drugs and alcohol will also prevent you from running afoul of any potential technical violation of probation rules. 

What role does a probation officer have in these scenarios?

A probation officer is the individual on probation’s first and most direct point of contact with the criminal justice system. As such, it is up to the discretion of the probation officer whether to report a violation of probation rules to the authorities. 

It is best to remain in the good graces of a probation officer. With considerable power, probation officers have the potential to turn a person on probation’s life upside down with a simple report after being five minutes late to an appointment. 

How a Maryland probation violation defense attorney assists those in need

At the initial court appearance after a reported probation violation, an experienced Maryland probation violation defense attorney asks the judge for bond. This way, a person suspected of violating the rules on probation can fight these new charges from their home rather than jail. 

Next, an attorney can help to determine how the purported violation of probation rules should be addressed in a violation or probation hearing. Contact a Maryland probation violation defense attorney with any questions you may have on this subject. 

Attorney Cynthia Christiani offers confidential consultations for those facing probation violation chargesContact Maryland probation violation defense attorneyCynthia Christiani today with questions or concerns regarding a potential probation violation. Learn more about what it takes to defend yourself in a courtroom hearing by working with an attorney who knows the law and how to guide clients.