I Violated My Probation in Missouri: Am I Going to Prison?

When a judge in St. Louis or elsewhere throughout Missouri orders probation for you, the court is offering you an opportunity to live in your own community, even with a criminal conviction. Try to adhere to the conditions and terms of it. However, if you are accused of violating your probation, reach out to a St. Louis probation violation lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right away.

Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Our firm has helped numerous clients across the St. Louis area lessen the impact of probation violations on their record, or even have their probation period ended early. Following the stipulations of probation are never easy, and you should know that you don’t have to go through this process on your own. Combs Waterkotte is here to help.

What Constitutes a Violation Of My Probation in Missouri?

Under the Missouri Probation & Parole guidelines, a judge may subjugate you to several probation terms, as well as your parole officer, so understanding the terms of your probation is crucial. According to the Missouri State Courts Administrator, “When a defendant is placed on probation, he/she shall be given a certificate explicitly stating the conditions on which he/she is being released.” If you have any questions about the terms of your probation, call your St. Louis probation violation lawyer right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact Combs Waterkotte online.

Under Missouri Code Regs. tit. 14 § 80-3.010, when you agree to probation, you must agree to:

Obtain advance permission before leaving the state or area where you are living
Obtain advance permission before changing your residency
Obey all laws, and notify your parole officer within 48 hours of any arrest
Maintain employment, or participate in a program approved by your parole officer
Obtain advance permission before quitting or changing jobs or the program
Obtain advance permission before associating with anyone convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, or who is also under probation
Not use any drugs (unless prescribed by a physician) and undergo consistent drug testing
Not own, possess, sell or transport any firearms or other dangerous weapons
Report to your parole officer and complete any supervision strategy as directed
Pay a monthly fee, as calculated under Missouri Revised Statute §217.690

What Happens If I Violate My Probation in Missouri?

Under Missouri Revised Statute §559.036, the court may revoke your probation at any time it chooses. If a judge finds you violated your probation, there are a few things that could happen:

You may receive a formal warning, and be allowed to continue your probation, as long as you do not commit further violations.
A judge may extend the period of your probation and/or add additional terms.
You may be sent to a halfway house or other intervention program.
If your probation was a Suspended Imposition of Sentence (SIS), meaning you were not convicted of a crime but accepted probation as a lesser punishment to a potential conviction, the judge can impose up to the maximum penalty of the original charge.
If your probation was a Suspended Execution of Sentence (SES), that means you were convicted but offered probation as a chance to avoid jail or prison time. After a probation violation, a judge may then impose the original sentence.

Your chances of being sent to jail or prison are much greater without an experienced criminal defense lawyer by your side. The Combs Waterkotte probation violation attorneys know how to work a courtroom and get the best possible results for their St. Louis clients.