Panama City Probation Violations (VOP) Lawyer – Florida VOP Defense Attorney
If you are facing a probation violation (VOP) in Panama City or Bay County, Florida, the consequences can be severe and immediate — including jail time, stricter supervision, and additional sentencing.
Dana Morris is a Panama City criminal defense attorney who regularly represents clients accused of violating probation in Bay County and throughout the 14th Judicial Circuit. The attorneys are able to assist clients at every stage of the criminal justice process, from arrest through the completion of sentencing and even expungement.
Panama City VOP Lawyer — Call (850) 257-5680 Now for Immediate Help with Probation Violations and VOP Defense in Bay County. To schedule a free consultation you can also send a message through the online contact form 24/7.
We have represented hundreds of clients charged with a VOP (violation of probation), employing aggressive strategies to help clients keep their freedom and avoid additional sentencing and/or more restrictive probation terms. In some cases, Mr. Morris has contacted the probation officer before a violation affidavit was filed, helping clients avoid a formal VOP warrant altogether.
If you believe you may have violated probation, do not wait. Contact our Panama City probation violation defense attorneys immediately before speaking further with probation.
What Is a Violation of Probation in Florida?
Essentially, probation allows a convicted person to serve a sentence outside of jail under the supervision of a probation officer, so long as all conditions of probation are met. There are many conditions of probation that a Florida judge can impose during sentencing, and breaking any rule of probation may result in a probation violation.
In Florida, these violations are classified into two types: technical violations and substantive violations. A technical violation is any violation of the general or specific conditions of your probation, such as missing a probation meeting or not completing a court-ordered program. A substantive violation occurs when you commit a new criminal offense, also known as a new law violation.
What are the Most Common Substantive Violations of Probation in Florida?
- Being arrested for a new crime, whether or not charges are filed, so long as the court finds sufficient evidence
- Conviction for a new crime
- Being found in possession of illegal substances or weapons that constitutes a new criminal offense
- Being charged with failure to appear or another new law violation
If your violation is based on a new arrest, such as DUI or drug possession, we can defend both the new charge and the alleged probation violation.
What are the Most Common Technical Violations of Probation in Florida?
- Failing an alcohol or drug test, when no new criminal charge is filed
- Failing to appear for a required appointment or hearing when it does not result in a new criminal charge
- Missing an appointment with a probation officer
- Violating specific rules of probation, which may prohibit seeing certain people or going to certain places
- Failing to complete mandatory rehabilitation, community service, or any other court-ordered program
- Failing to pay a court-ordered fine or restitution
- Failing to maintain employment or stay in school
- Changing residences without authorization or notification to a probation officer
- Leaving the state without a probation officer’s permission
What Happens at a Probation Violation Hearing in Bay County?
In Bay County, probation violation hearings are held at the courthouse for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida in Panama City. Unlike a regular criminal trial, the State only has to prove a violation by the greater weight of the evidence — not beyond a reasonable doubt.
If a judge finds that you willfully and substantially violated probation, the court may:
- Revoke probation and impose the maximum possible sentence
- Reinstate probation with stricter conditions
- Modify your probation terms
- Order jail as a sanction
Because the burden of proof is lower in VOP cases, early legal intervention is critical.
We’re Here to Protect Your Rights
If you have violated probation or are accused of violating your probation in Panama City, Bay County or the surrounding area in Florida, it is best to talk to a criminal defense attorney in Panama City to avoid jail time, additional fees and court costs, stricter supervision, mandatory drug and alcohol counseling, home detention, and other serious penalties. Unlike many charges, judges have broad discretion in how they handle probation violations, which means the best effective criminal defense representation can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.
We Defend Probation Violations Across the 14th Judicial Circuit
We represent clients facing violation of probation (VOP) charges in:
- Bay County (Panama City, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Callaway)
- Calhoun County (Blountstown)
- Gulf County (Port St. Joe)
- Holmes County (Bonifay)
- Jackson County (Marianna)
- Washington County (Chipley)
If you are required to report to a probation office in any of these counties, our firm can defend you in court.
Bay County Probation Office Contact Information
If you are currently on probation and need to contact your probation officer in Bay County:
Misdemeanor Probation Office
(850) 640-2880
408 Magnolia Ave, Panama City, FL
Felony Probation Office
(850) 872-4139
499 Highway 231 N, Panama City, FL
You can also find official probation resources through the Florida Department of Corrections Probation Services page.
Call Us to Avoid Additional Sentencing & Penalties
If you or a loved one have been charged with a probation violation (VOP) in Panama City or Bay County, Florida or the surrounding area, you need an attorney to help you obtain the best outcome. Please contact The Morris Law Firm at (850) 257-5680 for a free initial consultation. We can protect your rights and freedom—even if we did not handle your original case.
