Florida State Football Player Jailed for Violating Probation

August 26, 2012

Florida State Football Player Jailed for Violating Probation

In June 2012, a Florida State University tailback was arrested for violating the terms of his probation after he failed a Breathalyzer test. The football player's arrest shows how serious a probation violation can be in Florida. Anyone on probation or facing probation in Florida should be aware of the restrictions that may be placed on them under the state's laws

Football Player Violated Probation

On April 4, 2012, the football player received a sentence that included six months of probation after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor charge of resisting an officer without violence. As a part of the sentence, the judge ordered the player to serve nine days in a work camp in Leon County.

When the player reported for his first day at the work camp on June 9, 2012, the officials running the camp administered a Breathalyzer test to him. The test showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.01 percent and the officials dismissed him from camp. One of the conditions of participation in the camp is that any positive alcohol readings result in dismissal from the camp and arrest. The player then turned himself in at the jail for violating the terms of his probation. Authorities held him in jail without bond until his court hearing.

Florida Probation Laws

Florida law establishes the terms of probation, which include:
-Reporting to probation supervisors as required
-Allowing probation supervisors to visit
-Maintaining suitable employment
-Remaining within a specified geographical area
-Paying court-ordered restitution for any damages or losses caused by the offense
-Paying for medical care received while in jail or prison
-Caring for legal dependents
-Paying application and attorney fees
-Not associating with people engaged in criminal activities
-Submitting to random drug testing as the probation supervisor sees necessary
-Not owning any firearms
-Not using controlled substances unless prescribed by a physician and not using intoxicants to excess
-Not knowingly visiting places where illegal drugs are used or sold
-Any other terms the court sees fit

The court may add conditions of probation specific to the offense for which the person was convicted. The law states that these conditions must be "reasonably related to the circumstances of the offense committed and appropriate for the offender." Some examples of these conditions include drug treatment and a batterer's intervention program.

Those who violate the terms of their probation risk having the court revoke probation and having to serve any time remaining on their sentences in custody. Probation violations can also result in new criminal charges, such as when someone on probation is arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.

Seek Legal Counsel

Violating probation conditions can be a very serious matter. Those on probation who are facing charges for violating the terms of their probation should seek the assistance of a seasoned criminal defense attorney with experience defending probation violation cases.

Article provided by The Law Office of Samantha Johnson. P.A.
Visit us at http://www.samanthajohnsonlaw.com