Can You Go to Jail for a Probation Violation

 

If you’re like most people on probation, you’re wondering if you’ll go to jail for probation violation in Illinois – and the short answer is yes, you can… but that’s not always true.

Will You Go to Jail for Probation Violation in Chicago?

If the court finds you guilty of a probation violation, the judge has a few options:

  • The judge could let you go and let you keep serving your probation
  • The judge could modify your probation, making it longer or restricting you further
  • The judge could revoke your probation and give you a new sentence, including jail time

How Long Do You Go to Jail for a Probation Violation?

There’s no specific law about how much time you have to go to jail – if the judge decides to send you to jail – for a probation violation. Instead, the sentence the judge hands down is based on your original offense.

If your original crime was a misdemeanor, like disorderly conduct as a Class C misdemeanor, the judge could revoke your probation and sentence you as if you were convicted of the same crime again (the penalty for a Class C misdemeanor is up to 30 days in jail). However, because there’s no law that says what a judge must do, your results may vary – and that’s exactly why you should talk to a Chicago criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

What if You Violate Your Probation for the First Time?

Your attorney may be able to ask the judge for leniency in your case, and he might be able to explain the reason you violated your probation to the judge – it all depends on your situation. Your best bet is to call a lawyer immediately after you find out that you’re in trouble for violating your probation.

Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About Probation Violation?

If you need to talk to an attorney about a violation of your probation, call us right away at 847-920-4540 for a free case review. We’ll talk to you about your situation and figure out what to do next.

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