For the majority of people, facing a prison sentence is incredibly overwhelming. As such, if you are charged with a crime, understanding alternatives to jail is critical. One matter you may wish to discuss with a Cobb County criminal defense attorney is probation. If you’re unsure what you must know about these matters or what you can anticipate from a probation sentence in Georgia, you’ll want to keep reading as the following blog explores what you should know about these matters.
What Is Probation?
Probation is a punishment for those convicted of a crime in a court of law. It’s important to understand that there is a considerable difference between parole and probation, though many incorrectly use these terms interchangeably.
Parole is granted to those convicted of a crime and sentenced to prison. This is a conditional release from jail, typically based on the severity of the crime and behavior in prison.
Probation, on the other hand, is sentenced in place of prison. As such, it is often referred to as a jail sentence you may serve out of jail. For many, this is an ideal alternative to a prison sentence. However, you must carefully adhere to the terms and conditions of the sentence in order to avoid going to jail.
What Are Common Probation Terms in Georgia?
When you are sentenced to probation, it’s important to understand what you can expect from this process. Generally, probation entails regular meetings and checking with the officer assigned to your case. In some instances, this could be going to their office, while others may make home visits.
In addition to meeting with your officer regularly, there are terms and conditions you may need to meet and follow to remain on probation. Common conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Maintaining employment
- Electronic GPS monitoring
- Home confinement
- Mandatory participation in a drug or alcohol treatment program
- Community service
- Therapy
- Refraining from drug or alcohol consumption
- Turning in any firearms or other weapons
It’s important to understand that the circumstances of your alleged crime can also impact your parole terms. For example, if you are convicted of sending child pornography, you may be prohibited from accessing the internet or living near a school. Similarly, if you are accused of stalking or domestic abuse, you will likely find that you are forbidden from contacting the victim or their family.
Additionally, violating parole or committing other criminal acts can have intense consequences, as you’ll find that you may be sentenced to jail or face harsh punishments.
When you are charged with a crime, it can be an incredibly overwhelming matter. That’s why it’s critical to connect with an experienced criminal defense attorney from the Miller Law Practice as soon as possible. our dedicate team understands the impact a criminal conviction can have on your life, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you recover the best possible outcome for your circumstances. Contact us today to discuss yourcircumstances with a member of our team.