West Palm Beach Probation Violation Defense Attorney
By Christian Van Riper, criminal defense attorney
Being accused of violating your probation in Palm Beach County, Florida can feel overwhelming and stressful. A single mistake or misunderstanding can place your freedom and reputation on the line. We at Van Riper & Nies Attorneys understand what’s at stake. Our West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer, Christian Van Riper, represents clients in all probation violation matters, from technical violations to new law offenses, throughout Palm Beach County.
Christian Van Riper, a West Palm Beach Probation Violation Defense Attorney, has practiced criminal law since 2006 and brings a unique and well-rounded perspective to every case. Before defending clients, Christian served as a prosecutor and DCF investigator, where he gained firsthand experience in how Palm Beach County prosecutors build their cases. During law school, Christian had the rare honor of serving as an intern with the Florida Supreme Court, assisting on complex appellate matters. This background, combined with nearly two decades of courtroom experience, gives Christian an advantage in defending probation violations and negotiating favorable outcomes for his clients.
At Van Riper & Nies, we believe accessibility builds trust. Every one of Christian’s clients has his personal cellular phone number. He is known not just for his legal knowledge and skill in court, but for being available to his clients when they need him most.
Our firm is proud to be veteran-owned. Partner Tim Nies, is a veteran of the U.S. Army Rangers who served with the elite 3rd Ranger Battalion. We proudly offer discounts for military veterans as our way of honoring those who have served.
Understanding Probation Violations in Palm Beach County
A probation violation (VOP) occurs when a person under probation supervision allegedly fails to comply with one or more terms of their probation. In Palm Beach County, probation violations are taken seriously and can result in jail or prison time. Violations generally fall into two categories:
- Technical Violations – Missing an appointment, failing a drug test, missing curfew, not completing community service, or failing to pay fines.
- Substantive Violations (New Law Violations) – Being arrested or charged with a new offense while on probation.
Even a technical violation can result in the judge issuing a no-bond warrant and requiring the defendant to appear in court for a VOP hearing before the original sentencing judge.
The Probation Violation Process in Palm Beach County from the Perspective of a West Palm Beach Probation Violation Defense Attorney
- Violation Report Filed
The probation officer files an affidavit alleging the violation, often resulting in a warrant for arrest. - First Appearance and Bond Review
The judge may decide whether the defendant can be released pending the hearing. Some probation violations are non-bondable under Florida law. - VOP Hearing
Unlike a trial, there is no jury. The judge alone determines whether the violation occurred, using a lower burden of proof, a preponderance of the evidence rather than beyond a reasonable doubt. - Sentencing or Reinstatement
If found in violation, the Palm Beach Judge may reinstate, modify, or revoke probation and impose a new sentence, which could include incarceration.
Common Defenses and Strategies
Christian Van Riper builds every defense on a detailed review of the alleged violation, the probation officer’s affidavit, and the underlying record. Common and effective defenses include:
- False Allegations or Errors: Probation officers can misinterpret facts or report incorrect violations.
- Lack of Willfulness: The State must prove the violation was willful and substantial. A missed appointment due to illness or lack of transportation is not willful.
- Insufficient Evidence: Hearsay alone is not enough for a violation finding.
- Completion of Conditions: Demonstrating that community service, treatment, or payments were actually completed before the alleged violation date.
- Improper or Invalid Testing: Challenging the reliability of drug or alcohol tests or improper chain of custody.
- New Law Defenses: If the violation is based on a new criminal charge, Christian may contest that underlying case to eliminate the basis for the violation.
In many cases, proactive representation can lead to reinstatement of probation, early termination, or dismissal of the violation altogether. Christian frequently works with probation officers and prosecutors to resolve violations before they escalate.
Why Choose West Palm Beach Probation Violation Defense Attorney Christian Van Riper
Christian, as a West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer, has decades of criminal law experience, courtroom skill, and client-centered accessibility. Christian’s prior experience as a prosecutor and DCF investigator allows him to anticipate the State’s approach. Our skilled criminal defense paralegals are an integral part of our Palm Beach criminal defense team. They work side by side with Attorney Christian Van Riper in preparing motions, analyzing discovery, organizing evidence, and keeping clients informed at every stage. Their precision, dedication, and attention to detail help ensure that every case is fully prepared.
We believe clients deserve a lawyer who is both capable and reachable. Christian provides direct communication, ensuring every client has access to updates, strategy discussions, and guidance when it matters most.
If you or a loved one is facing a probation violation in West Palm Beach or anywhere in Palm Beach County, contact our VOP defense attorney Christian Van Riper day or night for a free, confidential consultation or contact us via our online form here.
West Palm Beach Office
801 Northpoint Parkway, Suite 375
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
(561) 948-5588 (Call 24/7)
Additional Offices
Palm Beach County:
Delray Beach – 55 SE 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444 – (561) 894-9862
Boca Raton (West Boca Raton) – 9825 Marina Boulevard, Suite 100A, Boca Raton, FL 33428 – (561) 948-5589
Martin and St. Lucie Counties:
Stuart – 900 SE Ocean Boulevard, Suite 140-E, Stuart, FL 34994 – (772) 283-8712
Broward County:
Deerfield Beach – 10 Fairway Drive #139, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 – (954) 369-0776