When you go to court, you never know what the outcome from the judge will be until you walk out the door. You might walk out in handcuffs and on your way to jail, but there are more situations now where the court system is giving people a chance to show that they can learn a lesson. This means that you would be placed on probation for a few months or a few years. It’s important to do exactly what you’re told while on probation so that you can sail through and come out with a clean slate.
Know The Conditions
Before you can succeed at probation, you need to know about the terms and conditions. You can get a copy of what is expected from you at the courthouse or from your officer. There are certain things that you’re required to do and things that you should avoid doing unless you want to violate your probation. Write everything on your calendar so that you don’t miss appointments with your officer or with other members of the law enforcement community.
Communication
When you’re on probation, things won’t be perfect. You might get sick and can’t attend a meeting. There could be times when you don’t have all of the money for the fees that you have to pay. Whether you talk to an attorney, like Lowry Law Firm, or your probation officer, you need to communicate any issues that you have and anything that has changed with your situation. If you talk about what’s wrong, then it will look better in getting you off of probation earlier with a good record.
Paying Money
Part of the requirement for probation is making payments to the officer or to the court. Do everything possible to make these payments on time as you can be violated for not paying. Even if you can only make a portion of the payment, you need to get something in to the office to show that you’re trying.
Keep Records
Maintain all records of classes that you take, jobs that you have and anything else that will look good in front of the judge. Sometimes, your probation officer might not have all of the information to present, which is when the documents that you have will come in handy to show that you have succeeded.
Probation might seem scary at first, but if you do what you’re told, then you can finish the term with success. Develop a good relationship with the probation officer. Complete your drug tests and the other requirements, and you won’t have any issues.
Author Bio: Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer living in Boston, MA. When not writing, she enjoys reading and indoor rock climbing. Find her on Google +
