About Probation

Tarrant County Criminal Defense: Understanding and Completing Your Probation

Choosing to work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer can mean the difference between a lengthy jail sentence and significantly better alternatives, such as probation. At the Bedford, Texas, law office of David E. Cook, our founding attorney has been representing Fort Worth and Tarrant County clients in criminal law matters for 15 years.

As a small firm, we pride ourselves on being able to give you the time and attention you need, and the honest answers you deserve as well. If your concerns include questions about probation (like many of our clients), please read the information provided below about the two basic types of this sentencing option.

Straight Probation

Straight probation may be ordered in lieu of a jail sentence if you have pled guilty or been convicted of a crime. This doesn’t mean that there is no jail sentence. There is. It’s just that a judge has decided to give you the opportunity to repay your debt to society from the outside, rather than from the inside, of a jail cell. There are usually conditions attached to this type of probation, and you must meet these conditions. If you fail to, your probation may be revoked and you could be sent to jail for the remainder of the sentence that was attached to the probation originally.

Deferred Adjudication

Deferred adjudication is a type of probation most commonly given to first-time offenders. Here, there is no finding of guilt, which means that if you meet the required conditions and complete the probationary period, you will not have a criminal conviction on your record. The arrest itself will still show up and you will not be able to get an expunction for it, but you may be able to get a nondisclosure order that will prevent anyone but government agencies and law enforcement from seeing that information.

If you fail to complete this type of probation, you could be sentenced to the maximum amount of time listed for the original offense in the Texas Penal Code.

Defense You Can Rely On

Our law firm offers effective legal guidance and representation both inside and outside of the courtroom. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in the Fort Worth or Tarrant County areas of North Texas, call 817-545-3309 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation with attorney David E. Cook.