Can Getting a Traffic Ticket Violate a Felony Probation in Texas?

While a traffic ticket won’t necessarily impact felony probation in Texas, getting charged for anything above a ticket will get you into trouble. In some cases, it possibly may lead to the revocation of your probation. That is why you need to rely on a criminal defense attorney if you are accused of violating your probation.

Getting Arrested

In fact, the most common way an offender violates their probation is to get charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony. Even if you’re arrested and are not convicted, you may violate certain terms of your probation. It just depends on the circumstances surrounding your case.

Failing to Report to Your Probation Officer

Another way you can get into trouble during probation or land in jail is by absconding or failing to report to your probation officer.

This may happen when an offender begins to fear they can’t meet the terms of their probation. However, if you don’t report to your probation officer, you’ll just worsen the situation. If you miss three scheduled appointments in a row, the court will usually issue a warrant for your arrest.

Testing Positive for an Illegal Substance

Another activity that can negatively affect probation is to test positive for the use of a controlled substance. Even if you test positive for marijuana, which is still unlawful in Texas, you can end up getting incarcerated.

While a probation officer may give you a break if you test positive for marijuana one time, they won’t be able to let it slide if you make the same mistake twice. The courts don’t view marijuana use as a harmless activity.

While the above-mentioned activities are the most frequent ways offenders violate their probation, you can violate the program in other ways, too. That’s because probation comes with several rules – rules that are expected to be followed without fail.

What to Do If You’re Charged with a Probation Violation

If you’re charged with a violation during probation, again, the punishment you receive will depend on the seriousness of the charge.

Possible Punishments

If you’ve re-offended, you’ll typically have to appear before the same judge who granted your probation. Therefore, you’ll need to contact an attorney and bond back out of jail.

If you miss a few months of reporting, you’ll usually receive a sanction, perhaps spending the weekend in jail. In some instances, the judge will change the terms of your probation, making you report more often.

If you receive a positive urinalysis, or “dirty UA,” for drug use, you may have to undergo mandatory counseling. Some offenders end up attending required AA or NA meetings.

The court may order some probation violators who continue to test positive for drugs to enroll in an inpatient drug treatment program.

Courts tend to go easier on offenders when they make technical violations related to reporting or drug use.

The outcome is typically more severe if the offender ends up catching a new charge.

If you are facing revocation of your probation or you need advice on what to do after committing a probation violation, you should speak to an attorney immediately. They can serve as your legal advocate and provide you with the legal counsel needed to experience a more positive outcome in your case.

Call Mendoza Law Today

In Texas, contact Mendoza Law about your criminal defense case today. Make sure you have a fighting chance and that you’re supported by an attorney each step of the way.