Colorado Violation of Probation (VOP) Cases and Defense

If you are accused of violating your probation (VOP) in the state of Colorado, know that you run the risk of having your probation revoked. A judge will sign a warrant for your arrest. Once you are brought into county jail, you may be kept there without bond. There is no statute of limitations for violating your probation.

A probation officer can accuse you of violating your probation in the following ways:

1.You violated a “technical” condition of your probation.

For example, you failed to show up for an appointment with your probation officer or did not pay fines that were part of the conditions of your probation.

2.You are charged with committing another crime.

When you violate your probation, you do not have a right to a trial before a jury, and the burden of proof of your violation is based on a preponderance of evidence. This means that the prosecutor must only prove that you more than likely violated your probation. You can also be called as a witness at your own hearing.

If you are found guilty of violating your probation, more conditions may be added to your probation terms. Your probation period may be lengthened or revoked, and you may even face time in jail or prison.

There are several kinds of probation that are issued by the State of Colorado

1. Probation—requires the offender to obey certain conditions of probation and be in regular contact with probation and parole officers.

2. “Bench” or Administrative Probation  -places the offender on probation but does not require them to be in regular contact with a parole or probation officer.

3. Home Detention  -  requires the offender to be under supervised custody. The offender’s freedom is restricted to a certain type of residential setting and may include surveillance by officers.

4. Intensive Supervision Probation -24 hours a day/ 7 days a week supervision by probation officers that may include spending a set amount of time in residential confinement. This may include 24/7 electronic surveillance.

5.Sex Offender Probation—offender must follow a treatment plan and be under strict supervision by a surveillance officer- (a form of Intensive Supervision Probation).

6.Drug Offender Probation – “Drug Court”—offender under goes treatment, random drug testing, and strict supervision.

An experienced criminal defense attorney can inform you of your rights and represent you at your probation violation hearing.

Attorney H. Michael Steinberg is a criminal defense attorney who has over 26 years experience in successfully handling probation violation cases. He has represented thousands and – also – admittedly – has had the experience prosecutions thousands of case in all areas of criminal law.

Mr. Steinberg is an advocate of your rights and will do everything he can to defend you.

If you have been arrested for violating your probation in Denver, the Front Range of Colorado or in other locations in Colorado, call 303-543-4433 (Pager) 303-627-7777 during business hours to speak with H. Michael immediately.

Your freedom is too precious to entrust to someone with less experience.

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