Violation of Misdemeanor Probation

After an accusation of violating misdemeanor probation in Hillsborough County, FL, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm to find out the best way to avoid going to jail or having additional expenses.

Our five attorneys have handled hundreds of these cases in front of each of the judges at the courthouse in Tampa and Plant City. FL. Let us put our experience to work for you.

Different judges in Hillsborough County, FL, have different ways of dealing with a violation of probation. Effective June 1, 2024, the judges in the County Court in Hillsborough County for misdemeanor probation cases heard at the courthouse in Tampa, FL, include:

For misdemeanor probation violation cases heard at the Plant City courthouse, the cases are assigned to The Honorable Richard A. Weis for both Division X and X2.

Attorney for Misdemeanor Probation Violations in Tampa, FL

If you find out that your probation officer is going to allege that you violated your misdemeanor probation in Tampa or Plant City in Hillsborough County, FL, then seek out the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

The criminal defense attorneys at Sammis Law Firm in Tampa, FL, help clients accused of violating their probation either before or after the arrest warrant is issued. We are particularly experienced in representing clients accused of violating misdemeanor probation, including DUI probation or probation for a traffic crime such as reckless driving crimes or racing on the roadway.

Visit our main office in downtown Tampa, just a few blocks from the courthouse. We also have additional offices in Clearwater and New Port Richey. Let us use our experience to help you.

Call 813-250-0500 today.

HCSO Supervises Misdemeanor Probationers

If you were put on misdemeanor probation in Hillsborough County, FL, then your probation officer works for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Beginning on October 1, 2015, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office took over the responsibility of supervising misdemeanor probation.

After you enter a plea in the courtroom, if the court sentences you to probation, you must report to a probation officer and follow all of their instructions. Misdemeanor probation officers in Hillsborough County monitor offenders that have been sentenced to probation. If the probation officer alleges that you didn’t follow the rules or complete the special conditions of probation, then you can be accused of violating probation.

Any violation of probation comes with serious consequences. Probation violations fall within two categories:

• substantive violations for a new arrest; or
• technical violations for not following the rules or completing a special condition.

Either way, if you are accused of violating misdemeanor probation, a no-bond warrant can be issued for your arrest.

After you are arrested on the violation of probation warrant, you will be brought before the judge to either admit or deny that you violated probation. If you admit the violation of probation, the court can then revoke and terminate your probation, continue you on probation, or sentence you to jail.

Talk with an experienced criminal defense attorney about the best way to resolve your case after an accusation of violating probation.

HCSO’s Assumption of Misdemeanor Probation Services

An interlocal agreement between David Gee, as Sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida (HCSO), and Hillsborough County became effective on October 1, 2015. Under this agreement, HCSO agreed to provide supervision and rehabilitation services to misdemeanor probationers.

The Clerk of the Court for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit agreed to process all misdemeanor probation financial transactions and disburse fines and court costs paid by probationers. In light of HCSO’s assumption of misdemeanor probation services, the procedures regarding these services were updated in Administrative Order S-2015-054 which supersedes Administrative Order S-2010-026.

The Cost-of-Supervision Fee for Misdemeanor Probation

The Clerk of Court for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County will collect cost-of-supervision fees and deposit them into a specified account in accordance with the Interlocal Agreement.

In accordance with Section 948.09(l)(b), Florida Statutes, all persons placed on misdemeanor probation or a diversionary program under the supervision of HCSO, will pay a monthly cost-of-supervision fee of $75 for the first month and $55 per month thereafter to HCSO and a one-time fee of $12 to the Clerk.

The Clerk fee is for collecting, processing, and accounting for all misdemeanor probation cost-of-supervision financial transactions in accordance with the Interlocal Agreement.

HCSO will provide a monthly invoice to Hillsborough County no later than the tenth day of each month. The Clerk will also collect and disburse payments of Clerk fees, restitution, court costs, fines, surcharges, and any indigent status application fees from misdemeanor probationers.

The Clerk of Court is required to maintain an accurate accounting of all monies collected, deposited, and disbursed unless restitution is ordered to be paid to a victim under section 948.09, Florida Statutes.

The Clerk will assign the first $50 of any fees or costs paid by an indigent misdemeanor probationer as payment of the application fee, in accordance with section 27.52(1)(c), Florida Statutes.

Additional Resources

HCSO’s Misdemeanor Probation Specialist – Visit the website of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office website to find a job description for a probation specialist. HCSO’s probation specialist has the task of maintaining accurate records and monitoring the completion of probation conditions. Probation officers meet with approximately 8 to 10 scheduled probationers per day and provide services to unscheduled walk-ins from the court. The probation officer will monitor the probation requirements, including monthly reporting, counseling, classes, community service, vehicle impoundments, GPS, alcohol monitoring, random drug screening, and the payment of fines, costs, or restitution.

This article was last updated on Friday, July 26, 2024.