A probation violation can carry serious consequences. The judge can continue the probation term with or without modifications, such as adding conditions or extending the term, or revoke probation and send the person to jail or prison.
In some cases, defendants can reduce the amount of time they are incarcerated or avoid imprisonment altogether if a judge grants them a type of supervised release called probation.
Federal and state constitutions, plus laws passed by Congress and the states, guarantee a speedy trial. Depending on the circumstances, defendants whose rights have been ignored might be entitled to a dismissal of the charges.
Many reasons exist for a defendant to plead not guilty at the arraignment. At such an early stage of the prosecution, the defendant faces many unknowns.