About Probation Violations in Florida.

How Our Jacksonville Probation Violation Attorneys Can Help!

If you’re being accused of violating the terms of your probation, parole, or conditional release in Florida, it’s critical to act quickly. Even a minor technical violation can result in severe consequences, and without the right legal representation, you could face jail time or even a return to prison.

For minor violations, you may receive a notice to appear in court by mail. However, if the violation involves a new criminal charge, you may be arrested and held in jail without bond until your hearing. Whether the alleged violation is technical or substantive, having an experienced Jacksonville probation violation attorney on your side can make all the difference.

Technical violations, such as missing an appointment, failing a drug test, or not completing required community service are aggressively prosecuted in Florida. And unlike a standard criminal trial, a parole or probation violation hearing does not provide the same legal protections. In fact, the hearing and the trial are often combined into one process. The judge hears the state’s evidence and can render an immediate ruling. If the judge determines that a violation occurred, they have the authority to sentence you on the spot, potentially to the maximum penalty allowed by law.

If you’re accused of a substantive violation, meaning you’ve been arrested for committing a new crime while on supervision, the legal process is different. The state must first prove your guilt for the new offense beyond a reasonable doubt in a standard jury trial. Only after a conviction for the new crime can the judge address the parole or probation violation tied to your original sentence.

In both types of cases, the consequences can be devastating, but they don’t have to be. Our Jacksonville probation violation attorneys bring decades of combined experience, deep knowledge of Florida criminal law, and a proactive approach to building strong defenses. We know how to challenge evidence, identify procedural errors, and make timely legal motions that could lead to the dismissal or reduction of charges. Whether negotiating with prosecutors or advocating for you in court, we fight aggressively to protect your freedom and minimize penalties.

If you’re facing accusations of violating probation, parole, or conditional release, don’t wait for the system to make the next move. Contact our Jacksonville probation violation attorneys today at (904) 358-3300 for a free, confidential consultation and let us help you protect your future.

What Can Happen if You Violate Your Parole Conditions.

Violating the terms of your probation, parole, or conditional release in Florida can lead to serious legal consequences, and how severe those penalties are often depends on the type of violation involved. At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, our skilled Jacksonville probation violation attorneys are here to help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and develop a strong defense strategy to protect your freedom.

Under Florida law, a probation or parole violation is defined as “substantially” or “knowingly” failing to comply with any of the conditions set forth by the court or supervising authority. These violations are categorized into two distinct types: technical violations and substantive violations.

If you or a loved one has been accused of violating probation, parole, or conditional release, it’s critical to take action as soon as possible, ideally before your arraignment. Early intervention can make a major difference in how your case unfolds. At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, our experienced Jacksonville probation violation attorneys are ready to step in immediately to protect your rights, preserve your freedom, and begin building a strong defense.

Probation and parole violation cases are very different from traditional criminal defense trials. In a probation violation hearing, you do not have the same level of constitutional protection as you did in your original trial. The burden of proof is lower, hearsay may be admissible, and the judge, not a jury makes the final decision. This means that without a skilled legal advocate on your side, you could be at a severe disadvantage.

Our Jacksonville probation violation attorneys understand the nuances of these cases and have successfully defended clients in both technical and substantive violation hearings. Whether you’re accused of missing a meeting, failing a drug test, committing a new offense, or violating any other condition of supervision, we will thoroughly investigate the facts, uncover any mitigating circumstances, and challenge the validity of the alleged violation.

We know what’s at stake. A violation can lead to revocation of your probation or parole and a return to jail or prison, sometimes for even longer than your original sentence. That’s why our Jacksonville probation violation attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome, whether that’s reinstatement of supervision, reduced penalties, or a complete dismissal of the violation.

Don’t face a probation or parole violation alone. Call McGRATH GIBSON LAW today at (904) 358-3300 to speak directly with one of our Jacksonville probation violation attorneys. Your consultation is free, and your freedom is too important to risk without experienced legal guidance.

If a past arrest or conviction is preventing you from reaching your personal or professional goals, you may be eligible to petition the court to seal or expunge your criminal record. At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, our experienced Jacksonville probation violation attorneys also assist clients with the process of clearing their records, we believe everyone deserves a second chance and a clean slate.

Mistakes happen, and when those mistakes involve the criminal justice system, the impact can last for years. A criminal record can limit your ability to find employment, retain professional licenses, obtain housing, secure loans, or restore your right to own or possess firearms. Even if you’ve served your sentence and moved on with your life, a lingering record can continue to interfere with your ability to fully reintegrate into society and protect your reputation.

Fortunately, Florida law allows certain criminal records to be sealed or expunged, depending on the nature of the charge and the final disposition. Once sealed or expunged, your record is removed from most public access databases and will not appear in the vast majority of background checks.

However, not all convictions qualify. The process begins by applying for a Certificate of Eligibility, which can take up to 12 weeks to process. If the certificate is granted, you may then petition the court to seal or expunge your record. It’s important to understand that some government agencies and law enforcement entities may still have access to sealed or expunged records, but the relief these legal tools provide in everyday life is substantial.

Expungements or sealing of records is not available for all types of convictions, but they are available for many types of convictions. However, the road is not an easy one. The first step is to apply for eligibility. Applying for eligibility is a process that can take up to 12 weeks. If you are awarded a certificate of eligibility, you are then able to follow the process of attempting to have your criminal history either sealed or expunged. Before pursuing an expungement or sealing of your criminal records, review this list of convictions that will likely result in your request being denied.

At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, our team of Jacksonville probation violation attorneys has extensive experience helping clients not only fight probation and parole violations—but also clean up their records once those cases are resolved. We’ll review your history, determine if your charges qualify, guide you through the eligibility process, and submit all required documentation to maximize your chances of success.

If you’re unsure whether your criminal record is eligible for sealing or expungement, or if you’re ready to start the process, contact our Jacksonville probation violation attorneys today at (904) 358-3300. Your consultation is free, and taking action now could be the first step toward a better future.