My name is Youness ELHAMESS adresse mail : elhamessy@gmail.com US CITIZEN
on the 19th of march 2009 I was sentenced by the DCG of HENRICO county VA state for 12 months probation for petit larceny (shoplifting <$200).
Out of panic I never met with my probation officer and i had to fly out of the country for emergency matter since than never came back to the country
i am a Us citizen with no criminal record at all except the probation violation
can you help ?
Probation Violation in Henrico County, Virginia: Possible Solutions
Context
A probation violation can be a serious legal issue that can lead to the revocation of probation, and potentially, a prison sentence. If you have violated your probation terms, it's crucial to take immediate action to mitigate the situation.
In your case, Youness, it's understandable that you panicked and left the country. However, ignoring your probation officer and leaving the country will only exacerbate the issue. As a US citizen, it's essential to address the probation violation to avoid legal consequences.
Possible Solutions
Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney
One possible solution is to hire a criminal defense attorney who can help navigate your case. A defense attorney can review your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with the prosecution. They can also represent you in court, which can be beneficial if your case goes to trial.
To find the best criminal defense attorney in your area, you can visit explorelawyers.com and compare lawyers in your area. It's essential to find a lawyer who has experience with probation violations and understands the nuances of the legal system in Henrico County.
Address the Probation Violation
Another possible solution is to address the probation violation head-on. Ignoring the situation can lead to additional legal consequences. If you have a valid reason for leaving the country, it's crucial to explain your situation to your probation officer and the court. It's also crucial to make a plan to comply with the terms of your probation going forward.
Related Authorities
To get more information about probation violations and the legal system in Henrico County, you can visit the following authorities:
- Henrico County General District Court
- Henrico County Circuit Court
- Virginia Department of Corrections
Legal Services Rates in Henrico County
The rates for legal services can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the attorney's experience. Here is a table with rates for various legal services in Henrico County:
| Legal Service | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Criminal Defense Attorney | $250 - $500/hr |
| Probation Violation | $150 - $300/hr |
| Court Representation | $200 - $500/hr |
Similar Legal Issues and Possible Solutions
Here are two examples of similar legal issues and their possible solutions:
Example 1: DUI Probation Violation
If you were convicted of a DUI and are on probation, failing a drug or alcohol test or missing a meeting with your probation officer could result in a probation violation. A possible solution is to hire a criminal defense attorney who can negotiate with the prosecution and present mitigating evidence in court.
Example 2: Domestic Violence Probation Violation
If you were convicted of domestic violence and are on probation, violating a restraining order or contacting the victim could result in a probation violation. A possible solution is to seek counseling and comply with the terms of your probation. It's also crucial to seek legal counsel to understand your rights and obligations.
Legal Disclaimer
Please note that this response is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a licensed attorney in Henrico County or the state of Virginia. No attorney-client relationship is created by this response.
A criminal defense lawyer is a lawyer (mostly barristers) specializing in the defense of individuals and companies charged with criminal activity. Some criminal defense lawyers are privately retained, while others are employed by the various jurisdictions with criminal courts for appointment to represent indigent persons; the latter are generally called public defenders. The terminology is imprecise because each jurisdiction may have different practices with various levels of input from state and federal law or consent decrees. Some jurisdictions use a rotating system of appointments with judges appointing a private practice attorney or firm for each case. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_defense_lawyer
If you're facing criminal charges (You were detained and imprisoned by the police), You have the right to remain silent. You should remember, that anything you say can and will be used against you in a court. You have - just like anyone else - the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an criminal defense attorney, you may qualify for a court-appointed lawyer.
- How to Become a Criminal Defense Lawyer? - wikihow.com
- Tips on how to find the right lawyer to handle your criminal case - nolo.com
- Various ways that private criminal lawyers charge for their work - nolo.com
How to find and compare top criminal defense law firms that provide legal aid for DUI and other criminal cases? Search Super Lawyers directory, compare criminal attorneys on Justia or browse detailed Avvo reports on Criminal Defense Attorneys across United States.
