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Denver Probation & Parole Violation Defense: Protect Your Freedom
A Small Mistake Can Have Major Consequences
Free Consultation Call 24/7
720-209-1469
One Violation Could Send You Back to Prison
Unlike your original criminal case, violation proceedings have a much lower burden of proof and fewer constitutional protections. The system is designed to quickly return people to custody, and you need an experienced advocate who knows how to navigate these proceedings and fight for alternatives to incarceration.
Don’t Face These Allegations Without Expert Defense
When you’re accused of violating probation or parole, your freedom hangs in the balance. We understand that life throws unexpected challenges your way—job loss, family emergencies, transportation problems, or simply misunderstanding complex supervision requirements. What seems like a minor violation to you could result in months or years behind bars if not handled correctly.
As a former Deputy District Attorney who prosecuted violation cases, Attorney Lori Beck’s unique perspective allows her to anticipate the opposition’s moves, giving you a powerful strategic advantage. Her insider knowledge of how prosecutors and probation officers build cases, combined with 24+ years of experience defending violations in Jefferson County, Arapahoe County, and throughout the Denver metro area, positions her to deliver results when your freedom is at stake.
What Should You Do If You're Facing a Probation or Parole Violation?
🛑 Take Immediate Steps to Protect Yourself 🛑
Don’t Ignore Allegations
Violation proceedings move quickly. Address allegations immediately rather than hoping they’ll disappear.
Contact Us Before Speaking to Officers
Don’t try to explain violations to probation or parole officers without legal representation. Your statements can be used against you.
Document Your Circumstances
Gather evidence of any circumstances beyond your control that contributed to alleged violations.
Avoid New Violations
Be extra careful to comply with all supervision conditions while violation proceedings are pending.
— How Do Probation Violations Work? —
What's the Difference Between Probation and Parole Violations?
Probation Violations in Colorado
Probation is supervised release instead of jail or prison time. When your probation officer reports a violation, you may receive a summons to appear in court or — for serious violations — a warrant for your arrest without warning.
The Hearing Process:
- Judge decides your fate: There is no jury — a judge rules on your case in a formal court proceeding.
- Lower evidence standard: Prosecutors only need a "preponderance of evidence" (about 50% likelihood) rather than "beyond a reasonable doubt."
- Broader evidence rules: Hearsay and other evidence not allowed in a criminal trial can be admitted.
- Limited constitutional protections: Your rights are more restricted than in a standard criminal case.
The Stakes:
- Complete revocation: If the judge finds you violated probation, they can revoke it entirely.
- Original sentence imposed: You could face the full jail or prison sentence you originally avoided.
- Immediate custody: You may be taken into custody immediately upon revocation.
How Are Parole Violations Different?
Parole is supervised release from prison for felony convictions. You remain in Department of Corrections custody while living in the community under parole officer supervision.
The Process:
- Parole Board decides: Violations are heard by the Parole Board or an Administrative Hearings Officer, not a judge.
- Broad discretion: The decision-maker has significant authority to revoke parole and return you to prison.
- Administrative nature: Proceedings are less formal than court but just as serious in consequences.
Officer Discretion Categories:
- Mandatory complaints: Certain violations automatically require formal proceedings.
- Discretionary complaints: Others allow parole officers to use judgment based on public safety and your compliance history.
Am I at Risk for a Violation?
📝 Discretionary Parole Violations
Technical Violations (Officer Discretion)
- Address change failures not properly reported
- Positive drug/alcohol tests without aggravating factors
- Minor supervision condition violations
- Compliance issues with special conditions
Factors Officers Consider
- Public safety risk assessment
- Current offense severity and circumstances
- Prior violation history during current supervision
- Treatment response likelihood and availability
- Community safety considerations
Our Advantage: We work with parole officers to demonstrate your commitment to compliance and argue for continued community supervision.
⚖️ Mandatory Parole Complaint Violations
Serious Violations Requiring Complaints
- Firearm or weapon possession of any kind
- Arrest for any felony offense
- Violent crime arrests as defined by Colorado law
- Assault arrests involving weapons or bodily injury
- Sexual contact charges of any kind
- Refusing drug/alcohol testing when required
- Refusing searches of person, home, or vehicle
- Leaving Colorado without permission
- Entering prohibited counties (where correctional facilities located)
- Absconding from supervision entirely
Critical: These violations automatically trigger formal proceedings, but filing a complaint doesn’t guarantee revocation. We fight to keep you in the community.
📋 Common Probation Violations
Technical Violations- Missing appointments with your probation officer
- Failing to report address or employment changes
- Leaving Colorado without permission
- Failing to complete court-ordered programs (drug treatment, anger management, etc.)
- Not paying fines or restitution on time
- Positive drug or alcohol tests during supervision
- Refusing to submit to required testing
- Possessing alcohol when prohibited by conditions
- Arrest for new crimes while on probation
- Violating protective orders or no-contact conditions
- Possessing weapons when prohibited
Our Defense: Many violations result from misunderstandings, circumstances beyond your control, or probation officer errors. We investigate every angle to protect your freedom.
Why Does Former Prosecutor Experience Matter?
- System Mastery: As a former Deputy District Attorney, Attorney Lori Beck doesn’t just understand the law—she commands the strategies prosecutors use and exploits their weaknesses to protect your freedom.
- Judicial Insight: Her prosecutorial background unlocks unique insight into what judges and parole board members actually consider when deciding whether to revoke supervision—not just what they say they consider.
- Negotiation Power: Her reputation and established relationships in Colorado courts deliver better outcomes through modified conditions rather than revocation, maximizing your chances of staying in the community.
What Are Our Defense Strategies?
- Challenge the Evidence: We scrutinize the evidence against you, challenge unreliable test results, and expose procedural violations by supervision officers.
- Demonstrate Compliance Efforts: We present evidence of your efforts to comply with supervision conditions, including documentation of circumstances beyond your control.
- Negotiate Alternatives: We advocate for modified conditions, additional treatment, or other alternatives to incarceration that address underlying issues.
- Mitigate Circumstances: We present evidence of life challenges, family responsibilities, employment obligations, or other factors that explain apparent violations.
How Do We Fight Violation Allegations?
How Do Probation Violation Hearings Work?
- Timeline: You're entitled to a hearing, but it may happen quickly after allegations are filed.
- Evidence Standard: Prosecutors only need to prove violations by "preponderance of evidence" (more likely than not), a much lower standard than criminal trials.
- Evidence Rules: Courts can consider hearsay, probation officer reports, and other evidence that wouldn't be allowed in criminal cases.
- Possible Outcomes: The judge can continue probation (possibly with modified conditions), revoke probation entirely, or impose intermediate sanctions.
How Are Parole Hearings Different?
- Decision Makers: Single Parole Board member or Administrative Hearings Officer makes the decision.
- Broader Discretion: Decision-makers have wide latitude to modify, continue, or revoke parole based on public safety and compliance factors.
- Administrative Process: Less formal than court proceedings but equally serious in consequences.
- Possible Outcomes: Continue parole, modify conditions, or revoke parole and return you to prison.
What Happens at Violation Hearings?
Comprehensive Support When You Need It Most
- Crisis Response: Available 24/7 for urgent violation issues and warrant problems.
- Comprehensive Investigation: We examine all circumstances surrounding alleged violations.
- Alternative Advocacy: We fight for treatment, modified conditions, or other alternatives to incarceration.
- Family Support: We help families understand the process and support their loved ones effectively.
- Cross-Practice Integration: Access to our criminal defense and record sealing services for comprehensive legal support.
— The Experience That Keeps You Free —
Choose Beck Law Office for Violation Defense
Why Clients Trust Beck Law Office
- Former Prosecutor Advantage: Understanding prosecution strategies and what decision-makers really consider when evaluating violation cases.
- 24+ Years Experience: Extensive experience defending violation cases across Denver District Court, Jefferson County, Arapahoe County, and throughout Colorado.
- Personal Approach: Attorney Lori Beck believes in clear communication and keeping you informed at every step. She understands that violation proceedings are terrifying, and she'll explain exactly what's happening and what we're doing to protect your freedom.
- Relationship Building: Established relationships with probation officers, parole officials, and court personnel that can benefit your case.
- Immediate Response: We act quickly to address violations before they escalate to formal proceedings when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Violation Defense
What if I missed a probation appointment due to work?
Work conflicts don’t automatically excuse missed appointments, but we can present evidence of good faith compliance efforts and advocate for modified scheduling that accommodates your employment.
Can I be violated for something that wasn't my fault?
Circumstances beyond your control can be strong defenses to violation allegations. We investigate thoroughly to demonstrate when violations resulted from factors outside your control.
What happens if I test positive for marijuana in Colorado?
Even though marijuana is legal in Colorado, it may still violate your supervision conditions. We challenge test reliability and advocate for treatment rather than revocation.
Can I request a different probation or parole officer?
While difficult, personality conflicts can sometimes be addressed through official channels. We help navigate these sensitive situations professionally.
What if I can't afford to pay fines or restitution?
Financial hardship can be a valid defense to payment violations. We help demonstrate inability to pay and advocate for modified payment plans or community service alternatives.
How long do violation proceedings take?
Proceedings can move quickly, sometimes within weeks of allegations. Early intervention is crucial for the best possible outcomes.
Your Freedom Depends on Acting Fast
Probation and parole violations move through the system quickly, often with little warning. What starts as a minor issue can escalate to formal revocation proceedings that result in months or years behind bars. The difference between staying in the community and returning to custody often comes down to having experienced legal representation from the very beginning.
The system assumes you’re guilty and works to return you to custody. You need an advocate who understands how to fight these proceedings effectively and negotiate alternatives that keep you with your family, your job, and your life.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you’re facing violation allegations or believe you might be at risk, contact us immediately. Every day matters when your freedom is at stake.
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Serving Denver and Colorado's Front Range
Beck Law Office represents clients in violation proceedings throughout Colorado:
Counties Served: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, Weld
Major Cities: Northglenn, Thornton, Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Greeley, Lakewood, Littleton, Westminster, Arvada
Court Experience: Extensive experience in district courts, county courts, and administrative hearings throughout Colorado’s Front Range.