You may have never doubted the necessity of hiring a lawyer to defend you in your criminal trial proceedings. But once the New Jersey criminal court grants you a probationary sentence rather than a jail or prison sentence, we strongly urge you to keep this lawyer in your corner. Without further ado, please continue reading to learn why you should get a lawyer once you go on probation and how an experienced Morristown criminal defense lawyer at Graves Andrews, LLC, can step into this role for you.
What is the role of a probation officer?
You may initially view your probation officer somewhat as an enemy, as someone who is looking to catch you in further legal trouble. However, you should shift your perspective and look at your assigned officer as part of your support system. That is, they may only be strict with ensuring your compliance with your probationary order because they want you to rehabilitate.
For example, at your scheduled meetings, you may express your concerns about substance abuse issues or mental health challenges that you believe contributed to committing a criminal act. Here, they may offer community resources such as rehabilitation programs and group counseling sessions to help you get through this difficult time. They may even serve as your link to certain job training and work opportunities, overall aiding you in meeting your imposed probationary conditions.
Why should I get a lawyer when I go on probation?
You should try your best to establish a good working relationship with your assigned probation officer. But at the end of the day, they must execute their job effectively. And so, they must uphold their legal obligation to report you to the New Jersey criminal court if you violate any one of your imposed probationary conditions.
For this reason alone, you should maintain a lawyer throughout your entire probationary period. For one, your lawyer may work to ensure that you do not step out of line in the first place. This may mean reminding you of your scheduled appointments with an officer, informing you of your fine and restitution amounts and due dates, advising you on how to satisfy your community service requirement, etc.
Then, in the unfortunate event that you do get into some legal trouble, your lawyer may quickly swoop in to your rescue. That is, they may represent you in your probation violation proceedings the same way as your original criminal trial proceedings. Here, they may skillfully negotiate with your officer and the court, in an effort to avoid your probationary order being revoked and a jail or prison sentence being imposed.
Contrastingly, you may strongly believe that you are being wrongfully accused of violating your probation order. In this case, your lawyer may explain this complex legal issue to you so you can confidently confirm that you are not guilty. From here, they may assist you in gathering the evidence necessary to prove your innocence.
Before you step into a New Jersey criminal courtroom, you must seek a skilled Morristown criminal defense lawyer to stand by your side. Please contact our office, Graves Andrews, LLC, as soon as you are ready.