How Does Probation Work in Los Angeles County
Probation is the alternative sentence to imprisonment that is available in a court system. It is available only for some defendants in the California court system, and those who receive probation don’t have to spend time incarcerated. Instead, they spend their sentence in their community but under supervision.
Probation offices involve probation officers who supervise juvenile and adult criminal offenders. Probation offices, along with their officers, aim at helping convicted persons become better versions of themselves by following the terms of their probation.
Van Nuys California Probation Office
When you are put on probation in Van Nuys or elsewhere in the San Fernando Valley, a probation officer at the Van Nuys Probation Office may be assigned to your case. Located at 14414 Delano St Van Nuys CA 91401, this office is one of several locations under the Los Angeles County Probation Department. The best way to contact them is by calling 818-374-2000 between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
Other Los Angeles County Probation Department facilities include Santa Monica Area Office, Antelope Valley Juvenile Office, and Rio Hondo Area Office.
What Is The Role of A Probation Officer From Van Nuys Probation Department?
A probation officer typically works hand in hand with offenders and monitors them at the same time to prevent them from reoffending. They are required to follow any rules and duties that the court may assign them. The most common ones are to supervise these offenders and investigate the offender’s history before sentencing.
Investigation
In some cases, probation officers participate in presentence investigations, which involve digging into the offender’s behavior and criminal record while the offender is in prison. The officers can gather details by talking to prison wardens, complainants, the police, and relatives.
Rehabilitation
A probation officer also aids in assisting the parolee in rehabilitating. They help them by planning the re-introduction into the community. They also offer recommendations to assist them in acquiring a job, job training, and social skills. The probation officers also keep track of the probationer’s progress.
Power To Arrest Parolees
If a probationer breaks the terms of his or her probation and the probation officer feels that there is the need to send them back to jail, the officer has the right and power to do so. Since they are closely monitoring the probationer, any probation violations are usually quickly detected by the probation officer.
Common Ways in Which You Could Violate Van Nuys Probation in Los Angeles County
There are various ways in which you could violate your probation terms. Apart from committing a crime, here are some of these ways you could violate your probation:
Missing An Appointment With The Probation Officer
You may innocently get held up or forget to attend your appointment, especially those under supervised probation who have to meet their probation officers on a scheduled date. So, if you miss such an appointment, it may be considered a probation violation, and your probation officer has the right to report this to the court judge.
Not Completing Community Service
If you are sentenced to community service and fail to participate, it may be considered a violation. You are required to complete the number of hours, days, or months issued by the court.
Missing A Court Hearing
A judge may require you to avail yourself of further court hearings after some time to review your progress so far. Missing out on such hearings may be considered a severe violation and may cost you the freedom granted by your probation.
Not Being Employed
In certain scenarios, your probation terms may include finding a job or getting back to school. If one fails to do so, they may stand a chance of being penalized as it may be considered violating the terms of the probation.
Failing To Pay Fines
Depending on the crime that you are convicted of, a judge may require you to pay a certain amount to the victim. If you fail to pay these fines, it is also considered a crime, and you may end up being charged with a new offense for violating your probation.
Visiting Prohibited Areas or Persons
Terms of your probation may include staying away from certain people or areas associated with criminal activities. For instance, if you were part of a gang, you may be restricted from associating with or contacting the other gang members or even visiting their areas. If you violate these terms by any chance, you may find yourself in trouble for violating your probation terms.
Can an Individual Move While on Los Angeles Probation?
In some cases, individuals may move or travel while on probation. But, before the move, they must obtain approval from the court. It can be done by reaching out to their probation officer and asking for permission. Traveling or moving without securing the appropriate approval may count as a probation violation.
Some of the Penalties That Are Put in Place By The Los Angeles County Probation Department Van Nuys
Any person in Los Angeles, CA, who is convicted of a crime may face several penalties. Most people are sentenced to jail or prison, while others are allowed to serve probation instead. If you violate your probation, a judge has the authority to revoke your previous probation and apply any penalties imposed for committing a crime.
Another penalty is that you may end up being sentenced to jail if you choose to violate your probation. This does not mean that you may necessarily be sentenced to prison if you happen to violate your probation. A court judge has the right to impose a penalty for minor violations made.
For instance, the judge may choose to penalize you by adding more restrictive terms to the current terms or possibly increasing your probation sentence. The judge may also decide not to penalize you if you have shown remorse and the crime convicted is a non-violent crime or a minor one. A strong defense strategy is necessary for this, however, so offenders with a great probation violation attorney on their side tend to have a better chance at this.
Van Nuys Juvenile Probation Office, Los Angeles County California
The juvenile probation office in Van Nuys works with a team of juvenile probation officers to supervise youths who have been convicted or accused of any crimes and are placed on probation or under supervision. The juvenile probation office works closely with social services, schools, law enforcement, and parents to help such juveniles get on a better path.
Juvenile probation allows young offenders to remain in their communities and continue with their daily activities while under the strict supervision of the court. The only thing that the juveniles have to do is follow the terms of their probation.
What to Do If You Are Facing Probation Violation Charges in Los Angeles, CA
Facing criminal charges may be frustrating, leaving you uncertain about your future as you are not aware of what will happen next. The Law Office of Christopher E. Chaney, conveniently located in Van Nuys, is well-versed in managing a wide range of misdemeanor and felony cases, including probation violation charges.
If you choose our firm to represent you in such cases, we will immediately mobilize and analyze the facts brought forward, interview any possible witnesses, and collect as much evidence as we can to ensure you get a fair hearing.
With our decades of experience, we can assure you that we will represent you accordingly and ensure the best possible outcome for your unique situation. Contact us today by visiting our offices in Van Nuys, CA, or calling us at (818) 453-6396, and let’s get to work on your case. We look forward to assisting you!
