VIOLATION OF PROBATION

Probation and community control violations are particularly serious offenses for several important reasons. First of all, when someone is charged with a violating their probation, the only relevant issue is whether or not the person violated a general or special condition imposed by the judge at sentencing. It is no longer important whether or not the person committed the underlying crime, has a defense to the underlying crime, or took a plea out of convenience.

Moreover, the person is facing the same punishment he or she could have received originally when they were accused of the crime. For example, if someone pled no contest to a third degree felony and is charged with a probation violation, they would face up to five years in state prison. Another distinguishing factor of a probation violation is that the judge is the trier of fact-not a jury of one’s peers. Additionally, the prosecutor only has to prove that somebody violated their probation or community control by a preponderance of the evidence.

This is in contrast to the higher standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt used in criminal cases. For these reasons it is absolutely imperative that a person charged with a violation of probation or community control have an experienced and knowledgeable Okaloosa County, Walton County, and Santa Rosa County, violation of probation attorney on their side.

Okaloosa County, Walton County, and Santa Rosa County, sex crime laws cover an extremely broad spectrum of conduct. From some of the toughest Internet child pornography laws in the nation to archaic ‘non-reproductive sex offense’ laws and sex offender registration violations, understanding the law is the realm of expert legal professionals. Rendi Katalinic is well-versed in all types of sex crimes in Okaloosa County, Walton County, and Santa Rosa County.

Obviously, having an attorney who knows the inner workings of the prosecutors sex crimes unit can be an advantage for you and your defense, your best chance at avoiding maximum penalties, arrest and conviction.

Capital sexual battery is the act of engaging in sex with a minor under the age of 12. A conviction for this offense carries a sentence of life in prison without the chance for parole. Neither ignorance of the victim’s age nor gaining his/her permission is an acceptable defense in either case. Other sex crimes carry severe penalties as well. These include prison and/or sex offender probation.