Baltimore Probation Lawyer

Judges in many jurisdictions around the state are hesitant to put defendants in jail for extended periods of time.  This is especially true in places where the jails are overcrowded, such as in Baltimore City.  The only downfall to this trend is that longer probation periods are becoming increasingly common.  Even first time offenders that are granted probation before judgment may end up being sentenced to three full years of supervision.  The majority of these cases have suspended sentences imposed, so that the judge may incarcerate the defendant if he or she violates.  If you or a loved one has been violated, or is expecting a probation violation do not wait to contact an attorney.  There are many things that a criminal lawyer can do to keep you out of jail, even if your officer has already sent a request for a warrant to the court.  Immediately upon being hired, The Herbst Firm will go to work to protect your freedom, and to assure that you have the best chance of staying out of custody.

One of the most frustrating things about a VOP is waiting for a hearing, but this can be an absolute nightmare if you are waiting while in custody.  The wait could be as many as three weeks or more, but a lawyer can get you in court as soon as possible.  Even with a no bail hold for a violation, our lawyers can petition for a bail review hearing in front of the original sentencing judge.  You do not have to wait for the district or circuit court clerk to set your hearing in order to speak to the judge as we can immediately file a motion, and request a quick turnaround date.  Even if you have violated by getting arrested for a new crime, there is a chance that the judge will grant a bail, or release with conditions such as home detention.  As your hearing date approaches, we will try to work out a satisfactory resolution with the state’s attorney and the probation officer.  As always, if our clients are not happy with any deal that is on the table, we will not hesitate to go to court and fight for our client’s rights.  It may sometimes feel this way, but just because you are accused of a probation violation does not mean you willfully committed one.  The Herbst Firm is prepared to take on your supervising officer and the prosecutor at a VOP hearing.  

In addition to providing representation for bail review and for violation hearings, we can also file motions to modify probation.  If you are on an extended period of supervision and wish to change something about the conditions that you must abide by, we can help.  For example our lawyers can file a motion to convert your probation from supervised to unsupervised, or to allow travel, or contact with alleged victims.  We have filed motions to modify for all sorts of reasons, and no request is out of the question.  Contact the firm today to speak with a Maryland probation lawyer about your case.