Probation - A Period of Extreme RISK!

If a person receives probation then they will need toAbuse from The Rhode island Family Court or
abide by the conditions of the probation and agree torestraining order in effect. A violation of a no contact
keep the peace and be of good behavior. Aorder or a restraining order is a violation of probation.
probationary period is a period of extreme risk! If aA person with a suspended or stayed sentence
person violates his probation by being arrested for afaces the most potential risk regarding violation of
new crime then the person may be held in Jail at theprobation in RI. As a result of a probation violation, A
ACI as a probation violator. After ten business daysperson with a suspended sentence could be ordered
a person has the right to a hearing.to serve the remainder of the suspended sentence
A person who is facing a probation violation hearingat the adult correctional institution (ACI)
should retain a Rhode Island Criminal law attorney orFor Example, a person with a probation sentence
if eligible should Contact the Rhode Island Office ofmay get themselves deeper into trouble when they
the Public Defender. If a person is eligible they willresume communications and contact with their wife
receive a free attorney from the Public Defender.or girlfriend despite the fact that a no contact order
At the probation violation hearing, the prosecutoris in effect. If there is an argument or allegations of
must only convince the judge so that the judge isdomestic assault or abuse, the police may arrest the
"reasonably satisfied" that the person violated theperson and hold him/her at the aci as a probation
probation by committing the new offense. Also theviolator as well as new charges for domestic assault
person will be prosecuted for the new offense as aand violation of a no contact order or restraining
separate charge from violating the probation. There isorder.
a good chance that if a person is violated for hisA person can also be violated for his probation for
probation that the probation which was originally notvarious infractions that may not be criminal acts but
a conviction will now ripen into a conviction. At thethat violate the conditions of probation such as not
violation hearing the prosecutor has all of thekeeping probation informed of new addresses,
leverage and power to coerce a plea because it isleaving the state without permission, not paying court
very easy to prove a probation violation and thecosts or restitution, not properly reporting to the
prosecutor can threaten additional jail time as a resultprobation officer, etc. These infractions are typically
of the probation violation.considered technical violations of probation. When a
A probationary period is a time of great risk for aperson is under probation in Rhode Island he or she is
defendant and a defendant must be careful to stayessentially is in a contract with the state to keep the
out of trouble! A person must be even more vigilantpeace, be of good behavior and comply with the
if there is a no contact order, order protection fromconditions and rules of probation.