If you are facing the prospect of taking a criminal case to court or accepting felony probation, you may wonder: Which is the best option for me? The truth is that there are advantages and disadvantages to accepting a plea deal that comes with felony probation. Read on to get the facts and then contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation.

A Close Look at the Pros and Cons of Felony Probation

If you are facing a criminal charge and there is a wealth of evidence against you, an offer of felony probation could be the best possible outcome. The main advantage is that you can go home and, in many ways, life your life the way you had been before. It generally lasts for between three to five years and you can eat when you want, sleep when you want, and (within reason) spend your time the way you would like.

The main disadvantage is that you are always at risk for being incarcerated. Even the smallest probation violation can result in being sent to prison to serve the rest of your probation. Even if you do not commit a crime, you can still end up in prison if you violated a condition of your parole. Keep in mind that you have to pay for your supervision, even if it is just a phone or video conference meeting with your probation supervisor.

You will also not be 100% free. For example, you cannot travel or move to another city or state unless your probation officer approves it. Your home can be searched without the legal requirement of a warrant. You can also violate your probation just by associating with known felons. If you have family or close friends who have felony convictions on their record, you may not be able to talk to them while you are on probation.

Felony Probation May Be Expungable

While there are disadvantages to felony probation, it is important to note that if the other alternative is prison, it is likely a better option. Even if felony probation does restrict your movements in some ways, it does not do so to the level that prison would. Also remember that you may be able to have your felony probation expunged from your record.

After you have paid all fines and fees, and after you have performed all the terms and conditions of your probation, you may be eligible to have the charge expunged – it depends on the charge. This can mean that the charge will not show up on most background checks and it allows you to legally say that you have not been convicted of a felony. To learn more about the options available to you, contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation.