Those who are found guilty of a crime may be sentenced to prison terms and fines immediately after they are convicted. After the prison term has been served, many people who are convicted will have to complete a probation program before they are considered to have fully served their sentence. In order to complete this process, a probationer must adhere to strict rules and meet with probation officers on a regular basis in order to stay in compliance. There are a few ways a probationer can make this process easier and ensure they get off of parole on time and avoid being sent to prison for a probation violation.

Keep Documentation and Records

The best way to make a probation period go smoothly is to keep proper documentation on every event that takes places in regards to the probation. Some of these documents include:

• Documents presented by the courts
• Documents presented by probation officers
• Receipts for payments related to the probation
• Any documentation regarding employment or address changes

This can all be kept in a file and will be useful if courts are ever in need of proof regarding the actions taken by the probationer or their probation officer.

Stay Employed

Another way a probationer can prove they are trying to better themselves is by keeping steady employment. Having employment shows the court that the person is not engaging in the activities that previously got them arrested. Being employed also ensures that the probationer will be able to pay any fines or court costs that are required. Failure to pay these items can just as easily result in a probation violation as going out and committing another crime.

Keep All Appointments

Timeliness is another sign that a person is trying to better themselves and is taking the probation seriously. A probationer is expected to check in with their probation officer on a regular basis. Arriving early to these appointments shows the probation officer that the probationer is reliable. This improves the relations between the two, making it more likely that the probation officer will petition the court to let the person off of probation early.

Avoid Bad Habits of the Past

Cutting off ties with past contacts is sometimes the best option for people on parole. Negative influencers usually try to get the probationer back into the habits that got them arrested in the first place. It can also look bad to the probation officer if these contacts are known criminals.

Examining Past Events

Sometimes a probationer only needs to sit down and think about what road led them to conviction in the first place. Changing these habits is one of the quickest ways to stay in compliance with probation and return to a life that’s free of courts and probation officers.

For more tips about completing one’s probation, call 713-862-8880 to talk to Houston attorney Rand Mintzer.