
Probation Violations Attorney In Tampa, FL
Probation helped you avoid further prison time, and you want to keep it that way. However, if you forgot a meeting or had a bad night and violated probation, you may be worried about what could happen next. You need a Tampa probation violations lawyer who can advocate for you and guide you through the proceedings, which are different than when you were initially charged.
Having a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney whom you can trust is critical to your case. Amarosa Law Firm P.A. has decades of experience in Southern Florida. We get results for our clients, and they rave about our perseverance and support. Don’t face your probation violations alone. Our team can prepare a defense and represent you in front of the judge.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your case. After you hire us, we make you a priority through support and communication. We know the criminal justice system and strategies that can work for you.
What Is Probation?
Probation is serving your sentence in the community instead of being incarcerated in jail or prison. During probation, you are required to attend regular meetings with your probation officer and any court-ordered programs you’ve been assigned. You’re expected to follow the laws of Florida, including not owning a firearm or doing illegal drugs. The conditions can be strict, but probation is a way for you to serve your time outside of prison walls.
Probation Violations in the U.S. and Florida
Probation violations can happen anywhere. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, there were 2,990,880 people on probation in 2022. This trend seems to be decreasing nationwide. In 2017, there were 3,647,230 people on probation.
In 2022, there were 184,520 people on probation in Florida. Our state ranks high compared to other states, like Alabama, with around 42,000. Georgia and Texas hold the top spots with around 350,000 each.
There are 145 probation offices across the state of Florida where probation officers work with people to fulfill their conditions and reenter society. The probation officers in Tampa assess each person to determine their needs and what community resources may be the most appropriate for their rehabilitation. Residences of Hillsborough County are in Region 3, Circuit 13. As of October 2025, they were supervising 8,833 offenders.
Probation Violation Laws in Florida
Under Chapter 948 of the Florida Statutes, probation officers can report someone who has violated their probation. Police can also arrest anyone committing a new crime and violating probation. There are several examples of these violations:
- Failing to attend scheduled meetings with a probation officer
- Being arrested for a new crime and already having a criminal record
- Failing to pay fines and fees or restitution for your initial crime
- Testing positive for drugs and/or alcohol, if you’re required to be tested
- Failing to complete court-ordered programs, like counseling or community service
- Moving out of Hillsborough County without asking permission from your probation officer or disappearing to avoid the conditions of your probation
What Happens After I Violate Probation?
If you violate probation, you may have done it unintentionally, but you still have to address it. If your probation officer is the one to initiate the violation, they make a report to the court. Then, a judge issues a warrant for your arrest.
After you are brought into custody, a probation violation hearing is scheduled before a judge. These cases are not heard by a jury. Finally, the judge decides on the case and the possible penalty.
Sometimes, there are misunderstandings or other circumstances that play a role in your probation violation. If you’ve been reported for a probation violation, stay calm and be respectful. The process can move quickly. Having an ally can help ease your frustration. You can hire a probation violation lawyer from the very beginning to guide you through each step to build a defense and achieve a better outcome.
AMAROSA LAW FIRM P.A. Finding Solutions For Tough Cases.
FAQs
Probation is a supervised program that allows you to avoid incarceration. Parole, on the other hand, is granted after time in prison is already served. While parole is governed by a board, probation is court-ordered and supervised. Many of the services and programs are similar in probation and parole, such as mental health counseling, community resources, and scheduled meetings with a supervisor.
The cost of a Tampa probation violations attorney depends on why you’re on probation and your violation. If you’ve committed a new crime, the case can be more complex and the fees higher. The court has the burden of proof in the case, but having a skilled lawyer negotiating on your behalf can be invaluable in the long run. Amarosa Law Firm P.A. offers a free consultation to talk about your case.
Yes, a probation violation can be dismissed in Florida. The judge can dismiss your case due to a lack of evidence or proof that you didn’t knowingly commit the violation. For example, you could have misheard the date and time of your next probation meeting. Your probation violation lawyer can negotiate to have the charges dropped, allowing you to serve the rest of your probation.
The penalties for probation violations vary based on what you’ve done. The judge can reinstate your probation, requiring you to spend more time under supervision or pay fines. You could receive a modification to your probation, making the perimeters stricter. There’s a chance the judge may sentence you to jail or prison time, especially if you’ve committed a new offense.
Hire a Probation Violation Lawyer in Tampa
Amarosa Law Firm P.A. strives to provide quality representation for your case. Our lead attorney, Jim Amarosa, was a former public defender and law professor. He understands the ins and outs of Florida’s legal process. We fight for what’s right, getting results every step of the way. Our clients recommend us to everyone in the Tampa area. Contact us today for a free consultation to review your probation violation case and get you justice.