Illinois Probation Rules: Make Sure You Follow Them

 Posted on May 06, 2019 in Uncategorized

When it comes to sentencing those who have been found guilty of a criminal act, probation is definitely one of the more favorable outcomes. Probation is an alternative to prison time, where a person is allowed to return home and live their normal life, rather than be confined behind bars. In Illinois, there are a few rules and requirements that those sentenced with probation are required to follow. Violating any of the rules or requirements can result in further consequences, which in some cases means jail time. If you are facing a sentence of probation, you should know what is expected of you during that time.

Forbidden Acts

Most of the limitations that a probation sentence brings are things that you are not permitted to do during your sentence. At the very basic level, if you are on probation, you must not:

• Violate any criminal statute of any jurisdiction;
• Possess a firearm or other dangerous weapon, if your offense was any felony or a misdemeanor that involved the intentional infliction of bodily harm; and
• Leave the state without the consent of the court.
• The court can also impose certain restrictions based on the crime you were convicted of. These limitations can explicitly prohibit you from:
• Entering into certain geographic areas;
• Having any contact with certain people;
• Having any amount of any illicit drug in your system;
• Accessing a computer or other device capable of connecting to the internet;
• Using social media; and
• Purchasing or possessing any amount of an illicit drug.

Probation Requirements

In addition to prohibiting you from doing certain things, a judge sentencing you to probation can also require you do certain things. Generally, if you are sentenced to probation, you must:

• Report to or appear in person before a specific person or agency, under the court’s discretion;
• Allow your probation officer to visit you at home or somewhere else, so he or she may do their duties;
• Perform community service work;
• Pay a fine or other costs.
• The court can also impose other requirements depending on the crime. If a judge deems it necessary, he or she can require you to:
• Undergo medical, psychological or psychiatric treatment;
• Undergo treatment for drug addiction or alcoholism;
• Submit to periodic examinations of your computer or other internet-connected devices;
• Submit to drug or alcohol testing of your blood, breath or urine;
• Surrender your firearm owner’s identification (FOID) card and any firearms you own;
• Support your dependents (if you have any);
• Pay restitution for the crime; and
• Serve a term of home confinement.

Contact a Knowledgeable Joliet, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer

Though not all crimes allow probation as a sentence, probation is one of the more favorable possible outcomes of a criminal conviction. At the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C., we can help you determine whether or not probation is an option with your case. Our tenacious Will County criminal defense attorneys are have the skills and knowledge required to get probation as a sentence whenever and wherever it is possible. If you are facing criminal charges, we can help. Call our office today at 815-740-4025 to set up a free consultation.