Probation with social services is one of the most important alternative measures to detention in our legal system, as it aims at the social reintegration of the convicted person, avoiding the trauma of prison. However, committing a new crime during the probation period is a critical event that can compromise the entire rehabilitation process. We deeply understand the anxiety and concern that arise from the fear of having to return to prison just when one was building a new life. As a criminal lawyer in Milan, Avv. Marco Bianucci is aware that each situation must be analyzed in its specificity, as not every new charge automatically leads to the revocation of the benefit.
The rules for the revocation of probation are governed by the Penitentiary Law. It is crucial to clarify that committing a new crime does not, in itself, lead to automatic revocation of the measure. The law states that revocation can be ordered by the Supervisory Court if the subject's behavior, contrary to the law or the imposed conditions, appears incompatible with the continuation of the probation. The judge is called upon to make a discretionary and complex assessment: they must verify whether the new criminal offense is symptomatic of a failure in the rehabilitative process or if, on the other hand, it can be considered an isolated incident that does not undermine the progress made. Case law has repeatedly affirmed that revocation must be the last resort, to be adopted only when there are no longer grounds to believe that the measure can fulfill its rehabilitative function.
Facing revocation proceedings requires a meticulous and proactive defense strategy. The approach of Avv. Marco Bianucci, an expert lawyer in criminal enforcement in Milan, focuses on demonstrating the overall stability of the reintegration process. We do not limit ourselves to defending the client from the new charge, but we work to contextualize the incident before the Supervisory Magistrate. Our strategy involves highlighting all the positive elements that have emerged during probation: maintaining employment, stable family ties, adherence to conditions, and behavior up to the time of the new offense. The goal is to demonstrate that the new crime, although charged, is not an indication of current social dangerousness or a rejection of the path of legality undertaken. In many cases, through a precise and reasoned defense brief, it is possible to avoid revocation or obtain a redefinition of the conditions, safeguarding the convicted person's freedom.
No, revocation is never automatic. The Supervisory Court must assess whether the new crime demonstrates that the individual is no longer suitable for rehabilitative treatment in freedom. If the offense is minor or isolated, it is possible that the measure will be maintained, perhaps with stricter conditions.
A report initiates a new criminal proceeding and is reported to the Supervisory Magistrate. The latter may decide to temporarily suspend the measure while awaiting the Court's decision, or allow probation to continue while awaiting an assessment of the seriousness of the offense.
A lawyer experienced in criminal enforcement intervenes both in the proceedings for the new crime, seeking acquittal or a reclassification to a less serious offense, and before the Supervisory Court to demonstrate that the social recovery process is still valid and deserves to continue.
Not necessarily. The Supervisory Court has independent assessment powers regarding the facts. It can decide to revoke probation even based solely on the charge if it deems the behavior to be seriously incompatible with the continuation of the alternative measure.
If you fear the revocation of your probation due to a new charge, time is a crucial factor. It is necessary to act immediately to present a solid defense to the Supervisory Court that highlights your reintegration process. Contact Avv. Marco Bianucci at the Milan office for an immediate assessment of your legal position and to define the best defense strategy.