(Practice Aids)
The court has just placed you on probation so it is important for you to know what will happen to you if you violate the conditions of your probation. You may be ARRESTED and DETAINED in the Duval Regional Juvenile Detention Center (DRJDC). After being arrested and going to court, the judge may choose to COMMIT you to the Department of Juvenile Justice. A COMMITMENT program is a residential program away from your family where you live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for a long period of time (from 30 days up to 18 months)!!!!
Assuming you do not want to live at a commitment program, you should understand what you need to do to successfully complete the conditions of your probation and to avoid being charged with violating your probation. If you are not familiar with the conditions, please ask your attorney or juvenile probation officer to explain the conditions ordered by the judge.
The MOST COMMON reasons children violate their probation are:
1. They ignore doing simple conditions like community service or don’t complete all the requirements ON TIME.
2. They don’t report to their probation officer. DO NOT STOP REPORTING even if you and/or your guardian are unable to pay restitution or other court costs.
3. They are arrested for or are accused of a new crime like shoplifting or possession of drugs.
4. They get in trouble at school either by skipping class or by receiving a disciplinary referral and/or suspension.
5. They get in trouble at home by breaking curfew or fighting with their parents or siblings.
6. The parent and/or child move or change phone numbers without notifying the juvenile probation officer.
Your probation officer has the power to send you to secure detention (DDC) and ultimately to recommend that you go to a commitment program for violating any conditions of your probation. Child and parent need to develop a good relationship with the probation officer. Communication is the key to success on probation. Staying in touch, working together, and getting it done are key. If you follow the judge’s order, it is possible your probation officer may recommend early termination of your probation to the Judge.
PROBATION IS SERIOUS, PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE.
