Tampa criminal court case results
- violation of probation & addiction problems in Tampa
- facts: On probation for theft charges, the client was arrested on his fifth violation of probation. For the judge who presides over the vop hearing, it makes a difference that every one of his previous violations was dismissed, but it doesn’t mean that judge will not consider the other dismissed violations. We had represented the client on his fourth and, this, his 5th and most recent violation of probation. The depth and seriousness of our client’s gambling addiction played a pivotal role in this violation of probation hearing. He suffered from this problem for close to 25 years, and it has come very close to destroying his life. Like every individual, no two judges are exactly alike. Some are compassionate and willing to accept certain mistakes which probationers make; some judges are not willing to accept any transgression or there causes. When a judge finds out that a probationer has addiction problems, then a judge may take that extraordinary personal problem into consideration. The client in this case was violated for a number of reasons. His gambling addiction was at the root of them all. He lost his home to someone he owed money. While on probation he was living with his parents, but that ended when his parents could no longer tolerate living with him. He was kicked out of the home and lived on the streets. This prevented him from attending his probation meetings. He was eventually violated and a warrant went out for his arrest. The theft charges for which he received probation were 2nd degree felonies, punishable by a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.
- defense: We explained the obstacles our client had been attempting to overcome. Our client took steps to voluntarily enter himself into a gambling addiction treatment program. This type of effort is important. When the criminal Court believes you are making real efforts to help yourself, it can mean the difference between continuing on probation and going to prison. Our client was supported by his parents even after he left their home. Their role at the hearing was extremely beneficial.
- results: The client’s probation was continued. The criminal court judge gave him an opportunity to successfully complete his probation.
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