How long will someone be in jail for a probation violation in Utah?

The length of time a person will spend in jail for a probation violation in Utah depends on a number of factors.  Under Utah criminal law, a single probation violation may give the the court authority to revoke probation.  When probation is revoked in a Utah criminal case, the judge may impose any sentence (jail time or prison time) up to the maximum amount that had been originally suspended when the defendant was placed on probation.  But a judge is not required to impose the maximum.  A judge may consider other factors that may give the judge a reason to either impose a lesser sentence or to give the defendant another chance on probation.

The factors that Utah judges may consider in determining an appropriate sanction for a probation violation include the nature of the probation violation, the number of probation violations, how long the defendant had been on probation without violation, the extent of the defendant's prior criminal history, positive activities the defendant has been involved in, the defendant's need for and willingness to participate in rehabilitation programs, community safety, and more.

When a person violates probation in Utah, the court may issue an Order to Show Cause.  The term "order to show cause" is a shortened version of "order to show cause why the defendant's probation should not be revoked."  In other words, it is an order for the defendant to show a reason (or "cause") why the judge shouldn't impose the full original sentence.  An experienced Utah criminal defense attorney can help give you the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome in a Utah order to show cause hearing.

Contact us now to schedule a consultation with Salt Lake criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard.