Violation of Probation (VOP)

Jan 30, 2018

OUTCOME: Dismissal

Client was on probation for over a year when he was picked up on a suspended license charge for a failure to pay child support. He was facing a significant amount of jail time and the prosecutor was no ... t willing to deal. The client did everything I asked him to do. He got current on his child support. He got his license back and he plead no contest to the new charge of driving on a suspended license. By the time we got to the VOP hearing, my client was able to admit to his wrongdoings and show his willingness to correct his mistakes. We were also was able to get a recommendation from his probation officer that he continue on probation. After talking to the Judge for a few minutes about all of the things that my client did to rectify his suspended license, and showing the Judge the recommendation from the probation officer, the VOP charges were dropped. The key was in being prepared before we got in front of the Judge on the VOP. In my experience a Judge is more likely to cut someone a break if they can see that you are sincere and genuine, and that your mistake is not one that is likely to be repeated.