Many criminal or violation of probation cases start when drugs are found after search at a traffic stop or or other offenses are discovered via the stop such as violation of a curfew or license restriction. This is particularly problematic for people on probation. New criminal law violations are substantive violations, everything else is a technical violation of probation.
Illegal Search of a Probationer at a Traffic Stop
I have a violation of probation but it is "just a technical", what can they do to me?
While the law engenders many questions, one of the most common areas of confusion for probationers is the law on violation of probation or VOPs. Violation of probations can be alleged for either technical or substantive reasons. A new law violation, such as a new charge for possession of marijuana or DUI while on probation, is a substantive violation. Meanwhile, an example of a technical violation of probation would be testing positive for marijuana while on probation or otherwise having a dirty urine or screen. Failure to pay restitution or failing to complete community service hours are other examples of technical violations of probation.
