Violated Probation in California

**jd84girl** · 07-11-2007, 05:25 PM

I was convicted of a DUI in late 06'. Sentenced to weekely alcohol meetings, and a 100 a month fine and received informal probation for 3 years.

i completed 13 of 15 weeks of my alcohol meetings when i had to move. I got my transfer papers and when i transfered to the Orange county meetings, they were THREE times the price of what i had been paying a week in san bernardino county. I couldnt afford it. They sent it to the court saying I didnt go, etc etc, therfore i violated probation.

The court has my new address since my move. They sent a notice to my old address ordering me to appear in court (my new address was even on the letterhead, but they sent it to my old address).

A relative at my old address gave me the notice on June 28th, at my rehearsal dinner the day before my wedding. I opened it, they requested me to be in court the day of my wedding. Of course I couldnt go.

So now I am going next monday to court...I am worried about my possible consequences. I have no prior convictions, ever. I am a stay at home mom with a special needs child, and the thought of jail time scares me. Thanks for any help!

**Mr. Knowitall** · 07-12-2007, 05:03 PM

If you haven't yet completed your alcohol meetings, do so as soon as you can. Do you have a lawyer? Have you tried to consult your probation officer?

**jd84girl** · 07-12-2007, 08:08 PM

i do not have a lawyer or a p.o. its informal probation, the lowest form of probation possible.

i can't complete my alcohol meetings until i get a form from the judge saying i can re-enroll.

**aaron** · 07-13-2007, 05:40 AM

There will be a probation officer assigned to your case, and it would be wise if possible to learn what the probation department would recommend as a consequence of your probation violation. You can try contacting the probation office yourself, or hire a lawyer to assist you with that, to appear with you in court, and to advocate for a more favorable outcome.