When a client is sentenced to probation in Larimer County, we always advise them that the relationship the with their probation officer is vital to success. Why? Because it is the key to effectively completing their sentence. Let’s take a closer look at probation and how you can set the tone for your time on probation to avoid issues and a potential probation revocation.
Larimer County Probation Officers: What Do Probation Officers Do in Fort Collins?
The probations officers in Larimer County work for the State of Colorado. Their job is to oversee a person who has been convicted of a crime and as a part of sentencing, are required to be supervised. When a person is sentenced to probation by a Larimer County judge or magistrate, they are required to report to the probation office to be assigned an officer and begin their supervision. Based on the type of crime the person pled to and the results of any evaluations or pre-sentence investigation, probation will create a program that includes rules, conditions, and deadlines for the person to follow. The idea behind these restrictions and requirements is to ensure community safety.
Attitude is Everything While on Probation in Fort Collins and Loveland
Your attitude will make a HUGE difference when it comes to probation. If you go in with a chip on your shoulder, having decided that the whole thing is stupid and you shouldn’t have to be told what you can and can’t do, well then don’t expect this to be an easy process. Really, you get to set the tone for how this goes. Even if you get a probation officer that has a reputation for being very harsh and revoking people on whim, you can still be successful with the right attitude. Being humble and accepting that this is what you have to do for a period of time will make all the difference. Arguing with your probation officer will never result in a win, even if you are in the right. If you present the right attitude, your probation officer will be much more likely to be understanding of little mistakes. With a bad attitude, every little thing can become a big deal.
Probation Revocations in Larimer County: Everything You Do and Say is Recorded
It’s important to remember that your probation officer is keeping notes regarding your progress. This will include any shortcomings and all the things you have done wrong. At the time, they may seem like little things and not a big deal. However, they will come into play if probation decides to file a complaint for revocation. It may be that you missed a scheduled meeting with your probation officer, forgot to call in when required, or that you had a hot UA. These one time events are often not seen as a big deal as long as the behavior is addressed and corrected – meaning it doesn’t happen again. However, if you have accumulated enough little things that probation feels it’s becoming a big deal, or you do something that is a big deal (a major violation like picking up a new charge), then all these little things will be complied into a document filed with the court to make you look bad.
While there are many things out of your control in the probation process, the one thing you can control is your attitude. If you are facing a probation revocation, contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule your free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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