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It is an extremely worrisome occurrence to be charged with a crime. While your first thought is likely how you can avoid a conviction, you may also be wondering what should happen if you are, in fact, found guilty. Punishments for the conviction of a crime include jail time, fines, and community service, as well as probation. However, people often confuse probation with parole. It’s important that you understand the major differences between the two.
Two Different Programs
Probation is a program that often acts as an alternative to going to jail when convicted of a crime. Parole on the other hand, while also a program, is for people who have been to prison but are released prior to the completion of their sentence.
Both programs involve being supervised by officers. People in both programs must check in with their supervising officer on a regular ongoing basis as the program requires. Each program also requires that the participant follows specific rules. These may include staying away from any known felons, possessing firearms, holding a job, and/or staying off of drugs. Some participants may be regularly tested for drugs.
Avoid New Legal Issues
While you should avoid getting involved with any new legal issues in general, it is especially important that you do so when you are on either probation or parole. In fact, if you get into any additional legal trouble, it could count as a violation of your program and you may end up with more serious consequences. For example, if you violate the rules of your parole by getting into other legal trouble, you could end up in jail to finish the remainder of your sentence. On the flip side, if you are able to make it through your program without violating the rules of your program, you will be released from the program in a timely manner.
The Attorneys at Hancock Law Firm, PLLC Help Those in North Carolina Who Have Been Charged with a Crime
There’s no doubt that being charged with and eventually prosecuted for a crime is very frightening. You may find yourself without any idea of where to turn and what to do. Not only the outcome of the case, but the experience itself can have a major negative impact on your life. No matter the criminal charges levied against you, a resulting conviction can forever change the trajectory of your life. For this reason, it’s in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney who will fight to have your charges reduced or eliminated altogether.
At Hancock Law Firm, PLLC, we fully understand what is at stake and will do everything that we can to help you to fight these charges and obtain the best possible outcome. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!