Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Probation Violation

I was driving, and am pretty sure that I ran a red light. I'm also pretty sure that a camera mounted on a street light caught me possibly running that red light. I am currently on probation. My question is this: is a violation of traffic law also a violation of my probation? There was no officer around, and I was not stopped. What might happen? Thank you.


Asked on 11/22/06, 9:10 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Probation Violation

The answer depends in part upon the terms of your probaation. Probation terms usually include a requirement to break no laws, and technically you have violated this requirement. On the other hand, a simple traffic ticket is so routine that it's hard to imagine anyone trying to revoke your probation on that basis.

If your probation officer really has it in for you -- which he might if your offense was a serious one and/or if the authorities think you actually committed an even more serious crime than the one of which you were convicted -- then there is a chance he will try to revoke your probation. I don't think most judges would go along with such a request, but you should expect the decision to be made by the same judge who sentenced you. If she also thinks you deserve more punishment she may see this as an opportunity to give it to you.

Your best bet is to contact the attorney who represented you and see what she thinks.

Good luck.

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Answered on 11/22/06, 9:54 pm


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