What Can I Expect at a Progress Review Hearing?

If you are convicted of a crime, you may be able to avoid a jail or prison term by being sentenced to probation. Probation often comes with terms that could include you having to perform community service, paying restitution to the victim(s) and attending mandatory counseling sessions.

During your probation, the judge may order you to come back to court to show that you are making an effort to complete these probation terms. This is known as a progress review hearing.

If you are ordered to appear for a progress review hearing, you must not fail to attend. Should you hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent you at the progress review hearing?

Why It is Important to Hire an Attorney for a Progress Review Hearing

You may think that there is no need to hire a criminal defense attorney to represent you at a progress review hearing, but that is not true. If you go to your progress review hearing alone, you could be putting yourself in danger of being found to have violated the conditions of your probation, which could lead to the revocation of your probation and the imposition of a jail or prison sentence.

For example, let’s say you failed to complete all the hours of your court-ordered community service or you were unable to attend mandatory counseling sessions because of conflicts with your work schedule. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich will speak with the judge so that he or she understands you are making a good faith effort to complete the required conditions of your probation. Your attorney may be able to argue that there is good cause to make adjustments to your probation conditions so that you have a better chance at completing them.

Your attorney will also be able to protect your constitutional rights and make sure there are no errors in procedure that could have a negative impact on your case.

What If I Miss My Hearing Date?

If you are ordered to court for a progress review hearing, you must attend. If you fail to do so, the judge could issue a bench warrant for your arrest, which likely will be considered a violation of your probation and could lead to the revocation of your probation.

Our skilled criminal defense lawyers will contact you to make sure you are aware of your upcoming progress review hearing so that you do not miss it. If you have a valid reason for not being able to attend your progress review hearing, our lawyers at Wallin & Klarich will work with the court to try to reschedule the hearing.

Contact the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich Today

A progress review hearing could affect your freedom and your future. That is why it is a good idea to seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you at a progress review hearing. At Wallin & Klarich, our skilled and knowledgeable attorneys have been successfully representing clients at progress review hearings and in probation matters for more than 40 years. Let us help you now.

With offices in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Victorville, Torrance, West Covina, Los Angeles and San Diego, there is an experienced Wallin & Klarich criminal defense attorney available to help you no matter where you are located.

Contact our offices today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation. We will be there when you call.