Serving Probation In Chicago, Illinois For A Methamphetamine Related Offense

This is the next post in my series on the handling of methamphetamine related offenses in Chicago, Illinois. My last article discussed how search and seizure issues impact meth cases. It is important to understand that being found with narcotics does not automatically mean that you are going to be convicted. In this article I will discuss the topic of serving probation after a conviction. It is crucial that you consult with a criminal defense attorney prior to entering into a plea deal which will place you under supervision.

Chicago defendants will have many requirements while serving probation for a meth offense

I have previously discussed serving probation for a domestic violence conviction. It is important to understand that probation for a meth offense will be much more rigid. This is because those charged with drug possession will be convicted of a felony rather than a misdemeanor and will be placed on “formal” probation. This means that the defendant will be required to check in regularly with an officer, to keep the officer informed of their address and work location, and to complete other requirements such as holding employment, completing community service, and more. This is in addition to other requirements the Court may impose, such as attending drug counseling.

It is important for a Chicago defendant to understand that they will give up many of their rights while they are on probation. An example of this includes the level of authority which is given to a probation officer. The supervisor may enter your residence and search your belongings at any time, and require you to appear at their office at times which are inconvenient for your schedule, can prohibit you from associating with certain individuals, and more. Failing to meet the obligations imposed by probation and the supervising officer can result in a defendant facing a probation revocation hearing.

Chicago defendants will face probation revocation if they violate the terms of supervision

Defendants do not have to commit a new crime to be found in violation of probation. The probation officer may report the accused as being in violation at any time. Simply failing to check in with your officer, or failing to update your address, will give them grounds to violate the terms of your release if they so choose. If you face a hearing for a probation violation it is possible to work with prosecutors and negotiate a reinstatement by which you will be placed back under supervision. Such an agreement will often come with additional requirements.

It is important that you discuss your situation with a Chicago drug crimes attorney before accepting a plea offer which will place you on probation. It is important that you understand what your requirements will be and that your agreement be crafted in a way which sets you up for success. I am a former prosecutor with over thirty years of legal experience. Contact my office today to schedule an initial consultation.

I also handle matters in areas of Cook County including Chicago Ridge, Glenview, Crestwood, Orland Park, Evergreen Park, Bedford Park, Palos Park, Oak Lawn, Burbank, Oak forest, Blue Island, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Alsip, Bridgeview, Lemont, Orland Hills, Country Club Hills, Hickory Hills, Summit, Richton Park, Midlothian, Worth, Posen, Matteson, Olympia Fields, Hometown, and Tinley Park, in DuPage County areas including Downers Grove, Naperville, Woodridge, and Darien, in Kane County areas including Aurora, Elgin and Geneva, and the Will County cities of Joliet, Bolingbrook, Mokena, Frankfort, New Lenox, Lockport, Homer Glen, Romeoville, and Manhattan.