According to the Chicago Police department 2020 report, some crimes had decreased in 2020, but the rate of violent crimes increased. The CPD stats show there have been 4000 shootings and 700 murders in 2020. While serious crimes lead to a jail term, judges have the discretion of announcing low-level sentences like probation for less serious crimes, especially to first-time offenders.
According to experienced lawyers, like https://www.criminallawyer-chicago.com, you can continue with your employment and look after your family when placed on probation. Lawyers like https://www.criminallawyer-chicago.com will help you out with other important questions you might have. However, probation comes with certain conditions, and you should never violate them. To make things easy for you, we have discussed different conditions that apply to you when placed on probation.
What Are the Conditions for Probation?
Reporting to the Designated Probation Officer
The most common condition in probation is you have to report to your probation officer regularly. If you fail to do so, it can lead to violation of probation. Ensure you reach the police station early or on time to stay on good terms with your probation officer.
Pay Restitution
Depending on your crime, you might be required to pay fines to the community during probation. For example, if you were found guilty of shoplifting, the restitution may include paying the merchant for stolen goods.
Prohibition on Possessing Firearms
During probation, you are prohibited from possessing firearms for any reason.
Abstinence From Drugs and Alcohol
Depending on your crime, the probation might require you to abstain from drugs and alcohol during your sentence. The probation office might put you through an alcohol or drug test. If the test results are positive, the probation office might record it as a probation violation.
Stay Inside the State
During probation, you have travel restrictions. You cannot travel out of your state or country. If you cannot avoid the travel for some reason, you have to inform your probation officer and get his written permission to travel out of the state. The court has to approve your travel. Hence it would help if you plan your travel months in advance.
What Happens if You Violate Probation in Chicago?
When the law authority arrests you for violating probation, you are presented in court. The judge determines the gravity of the violation and announces the sentence. If it is a minor violation, the judge might let off with a written warning. If the violation is severe, you would be required to attend a probation violation hearing where the jury panel will decide the right punishment for violating probation.
The jury panel might extend the probation period, including new probation terms (strict ones), or announce a jail sentence.
To sum up, following the probation rules is always beneficial. Probation is a small price to pay for the offense you have committed, and all you have to do is follow the rules of probation. The good thing about probation is you can stay with your family while completing the sentence.
If you face hardships following the rules of probation, you can talk with the professionals involved in the case. But remember, probation is already the best you can get, and it is in your interest to follow the rules that apply to your probation.
