Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Probation violation now a warrant

I was court ordered to enroll in a community service program and I never had the financial ability to at the time. I asked once for an extension and was granted but my financial situation is still bad and I still was not able to complete the program. So now the courts issued a warrant. I want to know whats the best way to take care of this using the least amount of money possible.


Asked on 4/21/08, 4:09 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Probation violation now a warrant

If you're low on dough, ask 'em to let you do a couple of days in the slammer. It won't kill you.

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Answered on 4/21/08, 4:49 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Probation violation now a warrant

Well.... You're either going to spend money, or time [in jail]. Take your pick. There are penalties to be imposed [money and/or time] for the probation violation, and there is still the original sentence ordered [money and/or time] on the crime. Unless you have an attorney represent you, you'll have to personally appear in court, risk immediate arrest, and try to convince the court to give you yet another 'break' and chance to complete the probation terms. If you do nothing, you'll simply be arrested and transported to court the first time you come in contact with law enforcement. It's reasonably certain you'll get jail time then, since you didn't voluntarily appear in court. Feel free to contact me if you get serious about handling this right.

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Answered on 4/21/08, 6:20 pm
Scott Linden Scott H. Linden, Esq.

Re: Probation violation now a warrant

return to court and explain your financial situation. Sometimes the court will allow payments and sometimes they will let you serve time or perform community service in place of monetary sanctions.

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Answered on 4/21/08, 7:03 pm
Jacek W. Lentz Law Offices of Jacek W. Lentz

Re: Probation violation now a warrant

Main thing is to take care of the warrant as soon as possible, which means showing up VOLUNTARILY in front of the court as quickly as you can. Plead your case to the judge for community service or low jail sentence if that is what has to be. The worst outcome for you is to ignore this matter and at some point later be picked up by police on the warrant. Very best to you.

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Answered on 4/21/08, 11:52 pm


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