Probation is a suspension of a criminal sentence that allows someone convicted of a crime to settle their debt to society without actually serving jail time. While on probation, you might not realize that some of the things you do daily could violate your probation. You may think it’s a minor violation, but it could end up costing you. While specific terms are set on a case by case basis, some standard terms of probation include:

• Reporting regularly to a probation officer;
• Paying fines assessed by the court;
• Paying restitution ordered by the court;
• Appearing at required court appearances;
• Obeying the law;
• Not having contact with victims and co-defendants;
• Attending treatment classes for alcohol and drug abuse, mental health, parenting, or anger management/domestic violence;
• Community service;
• Drug and alcohol testing; and
• Not traveling or moving out of state unless approved in advance

Some things you might not think about are loitering around businesses, jaywalking, leaving the state you reside in, or even just leaving the city could be a direct violation of your probation, depending on restrictions the judge has laid out for you. You will want to ensure that you are keeping in close contact with your probation officer and attending all of the scheduled meetings for you. Some advice would be to make sure you have a reliable ride to all of your appointments. If you are driving yourself, make sure you keep your vehicle in good working conditions. You wouldn’t want to break down on the roadway when you have a scheduled appointment with your parole officer or a court hearing to be. Always make sure you have a backup plan in case the first one falls through. It might be a good idea to keep a written calendar for all of your appointments and court hearings if your phone fails to remind you or your device breaks. Keeping a log of everything in multiple places will help keep you on track. We are human, so we are bound to make a mistake here and there.

In most cases, your probation officer has a good understanding of that and maybe lenient on you. However, do not use that as an excuse to make it a habit of breaking your parole. While you might have a parole officer who works well with you, the judge may not understand. Even though we have all been encouraged to social distance in these weird, unprecedented times, it is essential to remember that there are specific individuals and places you may not be allowed in or around. If you believe something could violate your probation, you may want to consult with your probation officer before participating in the act. If you have broken your parole, you should contact your criminal defense attorney to review your options.