Probation is when individuals convicted of a specific crime serve a sentence outside of jail under certain conditions and rules set by the court. Breaking the rules and violating probation can have serious consequences, so it is important for individuals to understand them.
When a person is on probation, they have to follow specific rules, like checking in with a probation officer, staying employed, going to therapy or rehabilitation programs and staying out of trouble. Breaking any of these and any additional rules imposed by the court can lead to consequences, such as the probation officer filing a report with the court that the individual failed to follow the rules.
Once the probation officer files that report, the individual is typically called to appear before the judge. Several things may happen during this hearing. For example, the judge:
- can reinstate probation and continue monitoring the individual
- change the terms of the probation and set additional rules
- send the individual to jail
- make the probation period longer
In Indiana, violating the terms of probation is a serious offense. The courts expect individuals serving probation to follow the rules and never violate any terms.
However, when a person violates one of the terms, depending on how severe the violation is, the judge can impose additional penalties or, in some cases, if the offense is minor, keep the terms the same or slightly extend the time the individual is on probation.
If you are on probation and violate one or more of the terms set by the court, it is critical to understand the consequences and be adequately prepared to advocate for yourself properly in court.