Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

probation violation

I received a DUI on 12, 1994. I completed everything required of me except serving my 3 days in jail. September of 2000 I voluntarily turned myself in,after having contacted my probation officer and him informing me that I would not have to go to jail. I spent 11 days in jail on a $10,000 fine. At which point I was bailed out and the judge who signed me out did so because she thought that the 11 days and fine were very excessive. I was put on probation. I informed my probation officer that I no longer lived in the area (I live 5 hours away) and would like to have my probation officer in the town that I lived in. He would not accept that. So, I tried to make my appointments. It was rather difficult without a license and trying to work a job! So eventually I quit going. I want to get my license back and am willing to do what is necessary to do so. However,I am very leary of believing anything that my probation officer tells me. How much trouble am I in? What are my options? Is there a statute of limitations on any of this? I don't want to get in trouble again for trying to do the right thing.

Thanks


Asked on 4/19/06, 9:59 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jay Hochberg

Re: probation violation

The statute of limitations stops running when you willfully absent yourself from the jurisdiction and control of the court. You have absconded from your probation officer, which puts you in technical (as opposed to direct) violation of your probation.

Hire an attorney to arrange a turn-in. You could be looking at a jail sentence for your violation and potentially a contempt sentence.

Here in Philadelphia, I would arrange to get you into some sort of treatment program in lieu of jail, but every county is different. Good luck.

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Answered on 4/20/06, 8:17 am


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