Community supervision, formerly known as adult probation in Texas, is intended to rehabilitate offenders and help them to become productive members of society. It may also keep offenders from having a final conviction on their criminal records, depending upon the type of community supervision.
The Tarrant County Community Supervision Program is intended to allow offenders to continue living and working in the community instead of being incarcerated. In order to remain in the program, offenders must adhere to supervision terms that are set by the program and enforced by their supervising officer.
So what are the terms of community supervision, and what are the consequences for violating probation?
Terms of Tarrant County Community Supervision
The terms of Tarrant County community supervision are set by the court, and are usually specific to the crime. However, as a rule you can expect some or all of the following conditions, potentially in addition to other conditions unique to your case:
- Avoid commission of any additional crimes, injurious habits and use of controlled substances.
- Submit to assessment for substance abuse and drug testing. Urine testing can be required at any time, and costs are paid by the offender.
- Report to the community supervision department directly after sentencing and at least monthly thereafter.
- Permit the supervising officer to visit your home or any other place at any time.
- Attain employment and work in good faith.
- Remain within Tarrant County unless authorized to leave.
- Support any dependents.
- Avoid ownership or possession of firearms.
- Complete required community service and/or restitution.
- Provide proof of high school diploma or GED, or complete education programs specified by the supervising officer.
Types of Community Supervision in Tarrant County
It is important to understand which type of community supervision you have been sentenced to. In the state of Texas, there are two different types of community supervision: adjudicated community supervision and deferred adjudication.
Deferred Adjudication Community Supervision
In deferred adjudication community supervision, the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, which the judge accepts. However, the judge suspends any further proceedings, and does not find the defendant guilty. The offender is then placed under community supervision.
Successful completion of deferred adjudication community supervision means that the offender will still be left with a criminal record, unlike in diversion programs. However, the offender is not technically convicted of the crime in question, which is very helpful in employment applications and background checks.
Revocation of deferred adjudication community supervision means that the offender receives a final guilty conviction for the crime in question. The offender may then face prison time or extended community supervision under the adjudicated community supervision program.
Adjudicated Community Supervision
In adjudicated community supervision, otherwise known as “regular” community supervision, the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, and the judge finds the defendant guilty. The judge then sentences the offender to jail or prison time, but suspends the sentence and places the offender under community supervision.
If adjudicated community supervision is revoked, the prison sentence is re-enacted and the offender is incarcerated. The offender may be subject to an increased prison sentence as well.
Penalties for Violating Community Supervision
Importantly, community supervision is considered to be a privilege which is contingent upon the good behavior and compliance of the offender. Violations of community supervision are not tolerated, and risk extension or revocation of community supervision.
This can result in prison time and a final conviction on your criminal record.
If you have violated the terms of your community supervision or think that you may have, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Fort Worth area immediately to ensure the best possible outcome.
About the Author:
After getting his Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center, Jeff Hampton began practicing criminal law in Texas in 2005. Before becoming a defense attorney, he worked as a prosecutor for the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office – experience he uses to anticipate and cast doubt on the arguments that will be used against his clients. Over the course of his career, he has helped countless Texans protect their rights and get the best possible outcome in their criminal cases. His skill has earned him recognition from the National Trial Lawyers (Top 100 Trial Lawyers) and Avvo (Top Attorney in Criminal Defense, Top Attorney in DUI & DWI, 10/10 Superb Rating), and he is Lead Counsel rated.
