Understanding Criminal Sentencing in Texas and Probation

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To be arrested and charged with a crime does not mean you will automatically go to jail or prison. You must be convicted of the crime. But even when incarceration is a potential penalty of the crime you allegedly committed, there are alternatives. Probation is one such alternative. But getting probation depends on the charge, the facts, and the circumstances as well as how persistent and resourceful your defense attorney is.

If you are facing criminal charges in Texas, find a seasoned criminal defense attorney who understands what you are up against and will work with you to obtain the best outcome possible. Call Law Office of Robert M. Maurer II & Associates at (210) 222-8284 today, or simply fill out our online submission form to better understand the charges against you and how you can fight them.

What Constitutes Probation in Bexar County?

Probation in Texas is a court order that allows an offender to serve their sentence in the community under supervision, rather than in jail. In exchange, the offender must comply with the conditions of the probation order. The court sets the specific conditions and length of the order, subject to any relevant laws.

Probation is administered by probation officers who monitor and support offenders. The goal of probation is rehabilitation. For this reason, it’s usually ordered for first-time or less serious offenses.

Probation is different from parole. While parole also involves community supervision, it’s granted by a parole board after an offender has served part of their jail sentence. Parole is a form of early release whereas probation is part of the court’s initial sentence.

How is Probation Ordered in Bexar County?

A court can order probation in one of two ways. Firstly, it can give an offender probation instead of jail time. The court does this by sentencing the offender to a suspended period of imprisonment and probation. If the offender completes their probation, they won’t have to serve any time in jail.

Alternatively, a court can order an offender to be released on probation after serving some time in jail. This usually leads to a reduction in the amount of jail time an offender is required to serve.

General Conditions of Texas Probation

The specific conditions of probation depend on the nature and seriousness of the offense and the personal circumstances of the offender.

Under a probation order, a court may order an offender to:

Report regularly to a probation officer
Attend counseling or other rehabilitation programs
Appear at scheduled court hearings
Restrict their drug and alcohol use and participate in regular testing
Comply with a curfew
Complete community service
Pay a fine or restitution to a victim
Avoid certain people or places
Avoid further criminal acts
Remain in the state unless travel outside the state has been cleared by the probation officer
Wear a GPS monitor
Keep the probation officer updated on any changes to your name, address, or other contact information

This is not an exhaustive list. There are many options available to a court when deciding the conditions of a probation order.

Violations of Probation in Bexar County

There can be serious consequences if an offender doesn’t comply with the conditions of their probation.

For minor or first-time violations, a probation officer may issue a formal warning. But more serious breaches will require the offender to reappear before a judge, who can order further probation, large fines, revoke the probation order, or send them to jail.

Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Texas?

If you are at risk of being sentenced to probation, it’s important to seek the assistance of an experienced Law Office of Robert M. Maurer II & Associates criminal defense lawyer. While probation may be preferable to jail, the conditions can be onerous and probation orders can last for many years. A criminal defense lawyer can make submissions on your behalf to the court to help you get better conditions under a probation order.

Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Texas Today

If you are accused of violating a probation order, you can face serious penalties and are at risk of being sent to jail. Here at Law Office of Robert M. Maurer II & Associates, we will represent you and defend you against these allegations to help you continue to serve your sentence in the community. Call (210) 222-8284 today to schedule a Free Consultation to learn more.