Probation Violation & Surrender Hearings

Probation Violation Lawyer Massachusetts

If you have received a surrender notice, this means your probation officer is bringing your case into court to argue that you violated the terms of your probation. The specific alleged violation depends on those terms.

Some common probation violations include:

• Failed drug/ alcohol tests
• A new criminal charge
• Failure to remain employed
• Failure to remain in school (usually with juveniles)
• Failure to obey a court order
• Missing payments to the court, restitution or child support
• Failure to report to probation as required
• Failure to complete community service hours
• Violating an order to stay away from a particular person or place
• Leaving the state/ country without prior approval

Even the slightest mistake or misunderstanding can trigger a probation surrender hearing, but the consequences of a probation surrender can be serious. If the court determines that you violated the terms of your probation, the judge may void the original plea or disposition and sentence you to the maximum penalty for the underlying offense allowed by law. This means that the prosecution could ask for jail time for a single missed payment or honest mistake. It is important to have a skilled defense lawyer at this hearing who will protect your rights and your freedom.

If you have received notice of probation surrender proceedings in Massachusetts, contact my office for your free initial phone consultation:

50 Milk St 16th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
Phone: (617) 830-2188