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-   -   Probation (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=33642)

  • Sep 7, 2006, 01:51 PM
    doodles25
    Probation
    I was placed on probation for a year for grand theft under 3,000 in fees. Time is up oct. 15-06 I have not been able to pay any money but I have completed all community hrs. I was 2 months pregnant at the time and did not know it I had my child 6-13-06 he passed on 6-30-06 though I have not had much time to find a job yet. My probation officer told me she has to violate me on the 15th because I have not paid my fees. What will happen now, what can I do.
  • Sep 7, 2006, 04:58 PM
    excon
    Hello doodles:

    In order to violate you, they're going to have a hearing. If you have a job by then, I doubt they'll violate you. But, if all they want is money, try to get 'em some. But, don't steal it.

    excon
  • Sep 7, 2006, 05:57 PM
    Fr_Chuck
    First I am sorry for you loss, he may get you picked up and you will have to go to a hearing, but most likely what they will do is merely extend your probation until you finish paying the rest of the fine.

    But what they want is the money, so as already said, try and start paying as much as possible
  • Sep 13, 2006, 06:52 PM
    s_cianci
    Exactly what are these "fees" that you're speaking of? Do you mean 'fines'? You say that you have completed all community hours. Usually community service is a sentence imposed in lieu of fines or incarceration so if you completed your obligation in that regard then I can't see for the life of me what they have to "violate" you on. Be sure you're getting all the facts from your probation officer. Also you may want to speak with an attorney who can help you determine what, if any, additional obligations you may have to satisfy for your probation.
  • Nov 5, 2006, 10:50 PM
    txredhead
    I was put on probation for hot checks, 2 years and a $1000 fine. I make barely enough to live on. At the end of the 2 years, I hadn't been able to pay anything on the fine. Rather than deal with my PO, who was completely unhelpful, I made an appointment to meet with the judge who handled my case. I carefully put together my budget, including paystubs to show what I made each month, and a detailed list of ALL of my expenses, complete with receipts. I showed him that there was no way I could afford to pay the fine AND the probation fee every month. I already have to choose between my asthma medication and groceries some months. I explained to him that I was NEVER in trouble (true) and the checks were just a mistake and it helped that I'd paid for them within 2 days of being notified that they existed.

    Anyway, he dismissed my entire fine and reduced my probation fees by half, retroactive to the start date. I paid a few hundred to cover the now cut in half probation fees, and was free to go.

    SOOOO, you should consider something like this as an option. The judge is the only one who can really help you on this. Even if they won't consider doing away with the fine, ask about having it changed to community service instead. Worst they can say is no.
  • Nov 6, 2006, 07:39 AM
    ScottGem
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by txredhead
    I was put on probation for hot checks... I explained to him that I was NEVER in trouble (true) and the checks were just a mistake and it helped that I'd paid for them within 2 days of being notified that they existed.
    My curiousity is arroused here. Why were you even convicted under these circumstances? You may really have had a lousy lawyer. If you bounced some checks because of a mistake in balancing your checking account, there should never have even been charges pressed. You might even have a case against the creditor that filed charges against you. If I were you, I would have a free consultation with an attorney who may handle such a case for you.
  • Nov 22, 2006, 10:12 AM
    donna1234
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by doodles25
    i was placed on probation for a year for grand theft under 3,000 in fees. time is up oct. 15-06 i have not been able to pay any money but i have completed all community hrs. i was 2 months pregant at the time and did not know it i had my child 6-13-06 he passed on 6-30-06 though i have not had much time to find a job yet. my probation officer told me she has to violate me on the 15th because i have not paid my fees. what will happen now, what can i do.
    You can talk to your probation officer ask them to reinstate probation or do the time for the fine amount.
  • Jan 5, 2007, 12:16 PM
    Gotwheels
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by doodles25
    i was placed on probation for a year for grand theft under 3,000 in fees. time is up oct. 15-06 i have not been able to pay any money but i have completed all community hrs. i was 2 months pregant at the time and did not know it i had my child 6-13-06 he passed on 6-30-06 though i have not had much time to find a job yet. my probation officer told me she has to violate me on the 15th because i have not paid my fees. what will happen now, what can i do.
    Hi,
    I'm sorry for your loss. If you don't have a job or very limited income you probably qualify for legal assistance. Such as legal aid or even if you are on anyy type of social services program they depending on the state have attorney referrals to help. Unfortuantelly the legal system isn't always fair. Try contacting the supervisor and explain the situation. Just remember and not to sound like I'm speaking down to you. But these people have heard every story imaginable, so tell the truth and be calm and respectfull to them. And if you do go to a hearing, you have a right for legal representation, ask the court to appoint you one. And by the way, GOOD LUCK

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