Protecting Your Freedom When Your Second Chance Is At Risk

Probation is meant to give people second charges, a way to serve their sentence in the community instead of behind bars. Or for some, a chance to serve some of their sentence in jail, and then rejoin the community to prove that they can be a productive member of society. But if you’re accused of violating probation, that second chance can quickly disappear.

At Emily Shouse, Criminal Defense, I represent clients all over Connecticut who are facing alleged probation violations. I understand what’s at stake: your freedom, your future, and the hard work you’ve already put into complying with the court’s conditions. My goal is to protect that progress and fight to keep you our of jail.

What Counts as a Probation Violation in Connecticut?

Probation can include many different variations of conditions, depending on the case. A violation can happen if the court or your probation officer believes you’ve broken any term of your probation, such as:

• Missing appointments or check-ins with your probation officer

• Failing a drug or alcohol test

• Being arrested or charged with a new offense

• Failing to complete community service or ordered treatment

• Failing to pay restitution, court fines, or fees

• Leaving the state without permission

• Violating a restraining order or curfew

Even minor or unintentional violations can lead to serious consequences.

What Happens After a Probation Violation Arrest

If your probation officer believes you violated your terms, they may submit a violation report to the court. The judge can then issue a violation of probation (VOP) warrant, leading to your arrest or you being contacted to turn yourself in.

After you are arrested, your original, underlying criminal case will be re-docketed, along with the new VOP charge. At court, there will be a VOP hearing, where the state must prove by a preponderance of the evidence (a lower standard than beyond a reasonable doubt) that a violation occurred.

If the judge finds you in violation, there are several options:

• Continue your probation with either the same or modified conditions

• Extend your period of probation

• Revoke probation and order some or all of your suspended sentence to be served

This means that the probation violation could result in you being sent to jail to serve your original suspended sentence.

Defending Against Probation Violation Allegations

A strong defense can make the difference between going home and going to jail. As your attorney, I will:

• Review the probation officer’s report for errors or inconsistencies

• Challenge unreliable evidence or mistaken allegations

• Present documentation of compliance or mitigating circumstances

• Advocate for alternatives to incarceration (treatment, continued probation, etc.)

Many violations are the result of misunderstandings, miscommunication, or other complications, not a willful disregard for the law or the judge’s orders. My job is to make sure the court understands the full picture and your side of the story.

Contact a Connecticut Probation Violation Attorney

Emily Shouse, Criminal Defense is focused exclusively on Connecticut criminal defense, has experience handling VOP hearings across the state, is direct and compassionate, and committed to protecting your record, rights, and second chance.

If you’ve been accused of violating your probation, don’t wait to get help. Call Emily Shouse, Criminal Defense Attorney today for a confidential consultation. I will explain your options, protect your rights, and fight to keep you free.