What Is The Difference Between Deferred Adjudication And Probation?
– GT, Texas
Answer:
The big difference between deferred adjudication and probation is that deferred adjudication is not a conviction. If someone successfully completes deferred adjudication they will not have a conviction on their record. Probation is a conviction.
With the exception of assault cases, you may be able to get your records sealed some years after completing a deferred adjudication. You CAN NOT get a deferred adjudication expunged. Other than the lack of a conviction, deferred adjudication and probation are very similar.
You will be assigned a probation officer, you will be required to report to that probation officer at least monthly and generally required to perform community service hours. Regardless of your offense you will likely be evaluated to see if you should participate in drug or alcohol counseling.
If charged with assault, you will have to take family violence classes. Deferred adjudication is a better choice than regular probation. However, for immigration purposes, deferred adjudication will likely be treated the same as a regular probation.
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