If you’re on probation, the judge in your case has most likely given you a set of rules you must follow to stay out of jail. But what are the most common Wisconsin probation rules, and what happens if you violate them?
Common Wisconsin Probation Rules
In Wisconsin, judges can offer some criminal defendants probation instead of a jail sentence. Judges are allowed to decide that a person is safe to release back into the community – particularly when the person is found guilty of a lower-level crime that doesn’t involve violence.
When a judge decides to let someone serve a probation sentence instead of time behind bars, the judge typically creates a set of rules and conditions that the person must meet. If the person who’s on probation – the probationer – doesn’t follow the rules or meet the conditions, he or she can be sent to jail. Usually, in cases like that, the person serves the sentence they would’ve served if not for probation.
Let’s say a conviction usually results in a 9-month jail sentence but a judge gives you probation instead. If you violate your probation, you’ll go to jail and serve that 9-month sentence behind bars rather than out in the community.
The most common probation rules include:
- Staying out of legal trouble. If you commit another crime while you’re on probation, you can expect to go to jail – and you can expect the judge to prosecute you to the full extent of the law for the new crime, too.
- Checking in with a probation officer. You’ll most likely have to check in with a probation officer from time to time while you’re serving your sentence. The probation officer will need to know where you live, what you’re doing for work, and whether you’re doing drugs or drinking when you aren’t supposed to be.
- Steering clear of drugs and alcohol. You may even have to take regular drug tests (and pass them) when you’re on probation.
- Going to alcohol or drug counseling, or taking part in another type of counseling. Depending on the type of crime you originally committed, the judge may sentence you to counseling to seek help.
- Completing community service. Sometimes judges order a person to complete a certain number of hours of community service in conjunction with probation.
Were You Accused of Violating Wisconsin Probation Rules?
If you’ve been accused of violating your probation, you may want to talk to an attorney. You could end up going back to jail and serving a full sentence behind bars. Contact us online or call us right away at 414-383-6700 for a free case review. We’ll answer your questions and start learning about your case so we can get you the best possible outcome.
