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A recent story of a Fayetteville man who violated probation is a warning for what can happen if you don’t follow the rules.

Quintin Lamar Molette, 28, was on a probationary sentence in March 2015 when police received information that he was in violation of his probation and parole. Police searched his residence and discovered a loaded firearm underneath his bed. Other evidence showed that he had the firearm in his possession earlier that day. Recently, a jury convicted him on charges of felony possession of a firearm. He is now waiting sentencing as a high risk offender.

If you are on probation, you need to know what not to do. In this post, we’ll detail what actions you should avoid and how to complete your probation successfully.

The “Don’ts” of Probation

Molette violated one of the major don’ts for individuals on probation. He will now likely face enhanced charges to his original sentence, which will likely include incarceration and fines. Here is a list of the don’ts when you are on probation.

Don’t commit any other offense

Stay out of trouble with the law. Even a traffic violation can cause you to violate your probation terms.

Don’t fail to pay your court-ordered fines

The judge may have ordered you to pay court fees, fines and/or restitution to your victim. You may also have child support payments to fulfill. You must make payments on time to stay in good standing with the court.

Don’t skip meetings with your probation officer

Your probation officer will schedule regular meetings with you. It’s essential for you to be on time and always in attendance.

Don’t forget to inform your probation officer of any changes

You must let your probation officer know immediately if you have a change in address, or if you plan to travel outside the state. You may need his or her permission before leaving your area.

Don’t be difficult with your probation officer

A cooperative attitude and a willingness to answer all questions and fill out all paperwork for your probation officer will be viewed favorably in the eyes of the court.

Don’t skip your court appearances

You may have more hearings and scheduled appearances. Missing one can result in a warrant for your arrest.

Don’t neglect your community service requirement

If you have been ordered to perform community service, it’s important to fulfill your requirement. You may get favorable treatment from the court if you perform even more hours than required.

Greensboro Probation Violation Defense

Don’t forget to attend treatment classes

You may have been ordered to attend educational, rehabilitation, or treatment classes. They are an essential part of meeting the requirements for your probation sentence.

Don’t leave your house if you are under house arrest

If you have an electronic monitoring device and you remove it or leave your house, you will be subject to heavy penalties.

Don’t be truant at your job

If you are employed, it’s important that you keep your job while you are serving out your probation term. You must notify your probation officer immediately if your job situation changes.

Don’t take drugs or consume alcohol

You may have been court-ordered to stop drug or alcohol use. If so, you will be subject to regular urine, breath, or blood tests. Failing a test can result in jail time.

Don’t possess or sell illegal drugs

If the police find that you are either in possession of a controlled substance or selling illicit drugs, you will automatically face further charges and likely face arrest.

Don’t possess any firearms

Even if you have a permit to possess a firearm, your ownership privileges are revoked while you are on probation. Give your firearms to someone else during your probation, and under no circumstances should you possess any other firearm, as the example at the beginning of this post illustrates. Explosive devices and other deadly weapons, such as knives, are also prohibited.

Don’t violate an order of protection

Stay out of any prohibited areas. Do not initiate or accept contact from the prohibited person, including any children covered by the protection order. Doing so can result in serious penalties.

Serving Your Probation

To serve out your sentence with success, follow the list of don’ts carefully. Work hard to fulfill all requirements, and you’ll be on your way to a better path.

Greensboro Criminal Defense Attorney

Probation allows you to keep certain freedoms, and it’s worth protecting. If you have any questions about probation, check with a knowledgeable North Carolina criminal attorney today. We offer a free case review to help you.

 

 

About the Author:

Jan Elliott Pritchett?is Managing Partner at the Law Firm of?Schlosser & Pritchett?and one of North Carolina’s top rated criminal defense attorneys. With a practice dedicated 100% to litigation, Mr. Pritchett protects the legal rights of clients who have been charged in federal and state criminal matters, as well as DUI/DWi, motor vehicle accidents, personal injury, and traffic violations. In practice since 1995, Mr. Pritchett has earned a reputation as a highly talented and fearless lawyer, being listed among the state’s “Legal Elite” and recognized as one of the Top 100 DWI Lawyers in North Carolina by the National Advocacy of DUI Defense.? He currently serves as the Co-Chairman of the North Carolina State Board of Legal Specialization, Criminal Law Specialty, and Vice-Chairman of the North Carolina Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section.

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