Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge and Fitzgerald, P.L.C.

Free 30-Minute Consultation: 319-359-6492

Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge and Fitzgerald, P.L.C.

319-359-6492

Your Legal
Resource
For Life

  1. Home
    2.  — 
  2. Criminal Defense
    3.  — Probation Violations

What Happens If You Violate Your Probation In Iowa?

Comparatively, probation is one of the more lenient penalties that can be imposed on a person after a criminal offense. However, there are many conditions that the probationer, or the person on probation, must adhere to. If they fail to do so, they could face additional penalties. At Johnston, Stannard, Klesner, Burbidge & Fitzgerald, P.L.C., we defend people in Iowa who have been accused of violating their probation and shield them from further legal hardships.

The Basics Of Probation

Probation periods vary in length depending on the case. In felony cases, except those with a mandatory minimum prison sentence, probation periods can last two to five years. For misdemeanors, probation can be between one and two years in length.

There are many guidelines and restrictions a person needs to comply with when they’re on probation, including:

  • Regularly meeting with their probation officer and answering their questions truthfully
  • Allowing visits from their probation officer at any time
  • Submitting regular drug tests
  • Working at least 30 hours a week
  • Not being in contact with anyone involved in criminal activity
  • Not possessing weapons
  • Not traveling outside of their judicial district without permission from the court

If they aren’t careful, it’s easy for people on probation to violate these guidelines.

The Penalties For A Probation Violation

If you’re suspected of violating your probation, you could be arrested and held without bail. If you previously had a deferred prison sentence, it could be imposed, and you would be sent to prison. If you are accused of committing another crime, you could face additional penalties for the alleged offense. Finally, your probation period can be extended by one year or up to one year past the maximum probation period.

How An Attorney Can Help After A Probation Violation

If you’ve been accused of violating your probation, it’s crucial to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Our firm’s skilled, experienced attorneys can design a defense strategy to keep you out of jail and shield you from having further restrictions placed on your freedom.

Talk To A Probation Violations Lawyer Today

We offer free consultations where we can learn about potential clients’ cases and begin to explore legal options. Call 319-359-6492 or submit a contact form online to schedule an appointment.

Notable Cases

Cedar County AGCR024516 — PLEA OFFER ACCEPTED — Attorney Shawn Fitzgerald’s client was accused of the crime of Operating a Motor Vehicle While License is Barred as a Habitual Offender §321.560/ §321.561/ §321.555 /§321.556 (An Aggravated Misdemeanor), as well as Failure to Use Child Restraint Devise §321.446 (A Scheduled Violation). Attorney Shawn Fitzgerald was able to secure a plea offer satisfactory to both client and state.

Notable Cases

Muscatine County AGCR057733 — PLEA ACCEPTED, CHARGE REDUCED — Attorney Shawn Fitzgerald’s client was accused of Domestic Abuse Assault §708.2A(2)(b) (A Serious Misdemeanor). An initial plea offer stated the client would have to plead guilty as charged, attorney Shawn Fitzgerald worked for a better offer for his client. The client was able to plead guilty to an amended lesser charge of Disorderly Conduct §723.4(2) (A Simple Misdemeanor).