A violation of probation occurs when someone on probation materially violates their probation in a willful manner. If you are accused of violating your probation, you have a right to a hearing before the Judge as to whether or not you violated your probation. Normally, your probation officer testifies as to the nature of your alleged violations, and you can be called as a witness in such a hearing. Different evidence rules apply, and the burden of proof is lower at a violation of probation hearing that it is at a trial. Limited defenses apply to a violation of probation.

      While many criminal defense attorneys have never conducted a violation of probation hearing, Ms. Cryer has had success taking violations of probation to hearing, resulting in many dismissals of violations of probation. The stakes for violating probation are even greater than they are at the time of your initial sentence, because you are likely facing substantial jail time when accused of violating your probation.