26 May What Happens If I Violate Probation in Arizona?
When you are serving a sentence of probation, you have to follow the rules set by the judge. If not, you could end up in jail after all. You might also be facing additional criminal charges and extra court fees. At the very least, you’ll have to serve an even longer term of probation.
Here’s what will happen if you violate probation, and the three most common types of violations to avoid.
Violating Probation Usually Means Going to Jail
Probation is often given to first time offenders for misdemeanor crimes. It’s meant to keep people out of jail so they can continue being productive members of the community. However, violating probation could make the court rethink that decision. In most cases, a probation violation means going to jail.
This could be for a few days while the court decides whether to let your probation continue. If they decide to revoke your probation, you will have to serve the remainder of your sentence in jail.
If you made an honest mistake, the court might decide to let you stay on probation, but they might extend it instead. For minor violations, probation may continue, but with closer supervision and stricter rules.
Changes to the terms of probation might include:
- Additional education or therapy programs
- Admission into an approved rehabilitation program
- Changes to curfew times
- Changes the places you are allowed to live or work
- Additional fines or fees on top of your typical monthly fee
However, if you commit a crime while on probation, you will most likely have to finish your original sentence in jail and serve additional time as well.
The Three Most Common Types of Probation Violations
From traveling without permission to committing another crime, there are many ways to violate probation. But there are three types of violations that happen more frequently than others: drug abuse, driving drunk, and spending time with other convicted criminals.
Drug Abuse
Drug screenings are one of the most common conditions of probation. These can either be scheduled or random, and are at the discretion of the probation officer.
A failed drug test could mean:
- Additional drug screenings
- Classes or therapy on drug addiction
- Admittance into a rehab program
Routine searches of your personal property are often another condition of probation. If these searches turn up any illegal drugs, you will most likely be arrested on charges of drug possession and your probation will be revoked.
DUIs
If you are caught driving under the influence while on probation, it can be a huge problem. Not only will you be arrested right away, but your probation will almost always be revoked. That means on top of new charges, you will also need to finish out your original sentence in jail.
The court will also be able to add additional sentences, such as longer incarceration times and heavier fines. It is also important to note that you will no longer be eligible for probation with a DUI conviction.
Poor Company
In Arizona, it is considered a technical violation of probation to knowingly associate with others who have a criminal background. This includes any convicted criminals, whether they were charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.
It is important to note that your probation officer can make exceptions on your behalf. For example, exceptions can include co-workers, meetings like Narcotics Anonymous or alcoholics anonymous, or halfway housing. In all of these cases, it is important to understand what your probation officer expects. For example, it might be all right to interact with convicted criminals at work, but not socially.
If You Violated Probation, You Need a Defense Attorney
Worried that you might have violated your probation? If so, you should meet with a criminal defense attorney. Losing your probation is a very real threat if you have violated the contract. Don’t risk going to jail! Contact a lawyer who will fight for your rights.
Coolidge Law has been helping Arizona residents navigate the complicated justice system for over 25 years. Our philosophy is that every case is important and deserving of our personal attention. That means your case will never be passed off to someone with less experience. Contact us today to set up a consultation.
Illustration by Boxicons on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 5/26/26.