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heykalish · Jan 10, 2011, 06:54 PM

Hello.

In 2009 I was charged with Petit Theft (>$30). I was not arrested at the scene of the crime and I was given an order to appear. (THIS IS IN FLORIDA)

I appeared in court and was given 90 days admin probation, community service, and court costs. Unfortunately I was unemployed and unable to pay the court costs so I violated, but I fulfilled all the terms of the probation (hours done, class taken). I was not able to get in touch with my PO after the final meeting and I never received a letter or anything.

Fast forward to the beginning of 2010, I was pulled over for a minor traffic infraction and the officer arrested me claiming there was a warrant out for violation of probation. I was held overnight in jail and then released on my own recognizance. I was released an immediately contacted the courts for a court date.

My court date is soon and I was wondering if there was a possibility I am facing jail time? Since the original crime in 2009 I have not committed any other crime at all and have actually gotten everything straightened out. I am now able to pay whatever court costs are charged, I just don't want to be sentenced to jail and lose this job.

What will most likely happen?

Fr_Chuck · Jan 10, 2011, 07:07 PM

What happened so you could not get in touch with your PO,
They did not close the office, move or something, so in all of that time, why did you not contact them ?

Personally I don't see them putting you in jail. But then because you did not contact them back, my best guess and that is all it is, a guess. If they wanted you in jail. They would have keep you at the time they picked you up and held you to the hearing

heykalish · Jan 10, 2011, 07:13 PM

Thanks. It was an admin probation and I was told to just pay the costs and keep out of trouble. I never had to report. I contacted the courts on my own accord spoke to the POs in person about a court date. I let them know I wanted to fix it

heykalish · Jan 10, 2011, 07:14 PM

Also I did not contact them because my last meeting with the PO he wasn't clear about whether I violated or not, but I couldn't pay the costs. I never got any correspondence back that I needed to speak to someone.

Fr_Chuck · Jan 10, 2011, 07:24 PM

I would say they will merely give you a set time to pay, and put you back on probation, I really ( and this is just my guess) that they will not do jail

heykalish · Jan 10, 2011, 07:30 PM

I understand you're just guessing but thanks a lot for your reassurance, I've got my life exactly how I want it to be and I don't want to have it all ruined just because I wasn't able to pay court costs.

heykalish · Jan 11, 2011, 05:07 PM

Hey Fr_Chuck, I went to my court date today. I explained my situation and the Judge terminated the probation and allowed me 90 days to pay the court costs $279.

All in all, I'm glad it didn't end badly. Thanks for your help.