If you plead guilty to, or are convicted of, a criminal offense in Tennessee, it is possible that probation will be a part of your sentence, particularly if the offense is nonviolent or if you are a first-time offender.
Essentially, probation is a type of criminal sentence in which you are able to avoid incarceration, but only if you follow certain conditions for a predetermined amount of time ― such as reporting to your probation officer on a set schedule.
However, while probation allows you to stay out of jail, it does not mean you are completely free. In fact, if you violate the terms of your probation, the state will likely try to make you serve your entire original jail sentence.
At Shults Law Office, we fight aggressively to keep our clients out of jail. Regardless of whether you have been accused of violating the terms of your probation or you need assistance seeking probation instead of incarceration, we can help. You may risk jail time if you do not act promptly and consult with an experienced probation lawyer.