Bungling Bribes and Completing Probation | Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

Welcome back to another Utah Defense Attorney Tip of the Week! This week, we’re going to take a quick look at bribes and probation rules. 

Probation is an alternate sentence to jail time. While it requires you to abide by certain rules and regulations, this kind of sentence allows you to become part of the community again naturally. 

In the maze of Utah’s probation regulations, there are clear do’s and don’ts. Don’t drink alcohol. Don’t associate with people who might or are engaged in criminal activity. Don’t leave the state without specific permission. 

What Doesn’t Work:

Some don’ts are relevant all across the board, whether or not you are on probation. Bribing your probation officer with your leftover Café Rio burrito and Swig is a big no-no. While it may seem like a decent gift, the officer probably won’t see the appeal of the half-eaten offering. Not to mention that bribing any public official or officer is illegal. Bribery can lead to an expensive fine and prison time, so it’s best to keep your burrito and soda to yourself. 

What Works:

Aim to get your probation done early. In Utah, once you have completed at least one year or half of your sentenced probation, you can request early release through your probation officer. Generally, you must also show that you have paid all fines and completed other community service and counseling requirements. 

If you finish everything early and ask the judge to end your supervision, you can save yourself a lot of money and time. Prolonged probation can end up costing you thousands of dollars. 

If you are looking for more legal advice like this or need a defense attorney to help you secure an early release, contact Intermountain Legal today!