Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Probation Reviews

Probation conditions in Utah can be burdensome. While the intent of probation should be to assist in "rehabilitating" the offender, it is not uncommon that circumstances change in ways that make it difficult for a defendant to comply with the original terms of probation. If you are on probation in Utah and find that your circumstances have changed or that you are having difficulty complying with your probation conditions, a court may review and modify the terms of your probation if you can convince the judge that doing so is appropriate. Having an experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer on your side is important. Contact us today to arrange for an initial consultation with Salt Lake City criminal attorney Stephen Howard.

What do I do if I am having trouble on probation in Utah?

It is not at all uncommon for a person on probation to struggle to comply with the court's terms of probation. But if you are having trouble complying with your probation conditions in Utah, the last thing you should do is to ignore the situation. The problem will not simply "go away." In many cases, the better course of action may be to petition the court for a review of your probation.

Timing in filing a petition for a probation review can be critical. If you wait until after you have violated the terms of your probation, a judge may issue an arrest warrant and an order to show where you may be at risk of having your probation revoked and jail or prison time imposed. If you can file a request for a probation review before the conditions of probation have been violated, a judge may be more willing to work with you by giving you an extension of time or modifying the conditions of probation.

Can I get off probation early in a Utah criminal case?

A request for a probation review can potentially benefit a person who is already in compliance with the terms of probation in a Utah criminal case. If you have completed all of the requirements of your probation, but still have time left on probation, you may be able to convince a judge to terminate your probation early. An early probation termination can relieve you of the expenses of probation supervision, can make it possible to move or relocate, and can speed up your eligibility for a Utah 402 reduction. In order to successfully obtain an early termination from probation, you should be prepared to explain to the judge how you will benefit from an early termination, and how the judge can be assured that society will be adequately protected if you are no longer supervised on probation.

Finding a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Salt Lake City, Utah

An experienced Utah criminal attorney can help you determine the best way to approach the court with a request to review, modify, or terminate probation. Salt Lake criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard has extensive experience dealing with Utah probation cases, orders to show cause, and other criminal defense issues.

Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation..