How Long Could I Go to Jail for Violating Probation?

Defendants are sometimes offered probation in their plea deal instead of a prison sentence. This happens when a judge or prosecutor does not believe that incarceration is necessary, but instead, supervision and possibly rehabilitation are. A probation order includes a term of probation and a suspended sentence; therefore, if a defendant allegedly breaks this agreement, it is taken very seriously by the judge. In some cases, the defendant may face extended probation or even time in jail.
Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C. is available to review your case. Call our attorneys to discuss possible legal strategies to protect your rights.
Common Reasons for a Probation Violation
All probation violations stem from the defendant’s failure to adhere to the agreement’s terms. However, there are two main ways that an individual may violate a probation order: first, by breaking a law; and second, by violating the technical terms of the probation. If the probationer has a new arrest, they may be required to attend a hearing. A few of the most common charges that may violate probation include:
- Theft or burglary charges,
- Illegal drug use or possession,
- DUI offenses, and
- Allegations of domestic violence.
Furthermore, failing to uphold the terms of your probation and any orders from your probation officer may be deemed a violation. Some of the most common technical violations are:
- Failing a drug test,
- Not reporting to your probation officer,
- Failing to seek employment,
- Being absent for mandatory services, and
- Not completing required community service.
It’s important to note that failure to pay fines or other costs is only a basis for probation violation if the defendant intentionally fails to pay.
Will I Go to Jail for Violating Probation?
While jail time is a possible consequence of a probation violation, it isn’t a guarantee. The judge must answer key questions to find you guilty of a violation and sentence you to prison. And even if the judge does find that the defendant violated their agreement, many factors influence the judge’s ruling. If your probation violation shows intentional misconduct or if you’ve violated a previous probation sentence, then the court will see that you didn’t take advantage of that opportunity, and therefore the sentence may increase.
The seriousness of the violation also impacts whether jail time will be ordered and for how long. If you possessed drugs and relapsed, the judge may order you to go into a rehab program. However, if you attempt to conceal or tamper with your drug results, then the courts will see a willing attempt to deceive them.
A jail sentence may be determined if you miss a court appearance or meeting with your probation officer. However, certain mitigating circumstances may warrant understanding from the judge. With an attorney, you will devise a legal defense that demonstrates that the violation occurred due to extenuating circumstances.
Talk to an Attorney At the Earliest Opportunity
If you’ve been accused of violating your probation order, don’t take the situation lightly. Call Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C. right away for a consultation. We can help you prepare for the next steps.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock
What Can I Sue for in a Personal Injury Case?

You are driving safely on the road when a distracted driver t-bones your vehicle. As a result of the collision, you suffer serious bodily injuries including facial lacerations, a concussion, a broken arm, and a bruised rib. You are forced to spend weeks rehabilitating from your injuries and miss a significant amount of time from your job. As a result, you are left damaged both physically and financially.
In this situation, it makes sense to speak to an experienced Indiana car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. You may be able to pursue monetary damages for your harms and losses.
Types of Damages You Can Recover Through a Personal Injury Claim
Medical Bills – In general, medical costs are the first category of what are known as “compensatory” damages. The idea behind compensatory damages is that a wrong has occurred that requires some type of compensation. Most damages are compensatory damages. If you are injured, the responsible party will be held responsible for paying your medical bills such as surgery costs, the price of ambulance rides, and physical therapy.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity – Economic compensatory damages exist as well. If you are injured and are unable to work either temporarily or permanently, you may be able to receive compensation for your lost wages.
Pain and Suffering Damages – This is the broadest category of compensatory damages in personal injury claims. Pain and suffering is essentially an umbrella term for anything that happened in the accident that the negligent driver should be required to compensate the victim for. Often, this is literally for pain that was caused. It could also mean causing crippling disabilities or other mental trauma.
Punitive Damages – Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are specifically designed to deter and punish defendants from taking actions that the judge deems reprehensible. Normally, punitive damages are not available unless something really terrible happened.
Emotional Damages – Another special category of damages, emotional damages are only available under specific circumstances. Fear that has resulted in recurring nightmares or psychological stress is the most common example. So-called “bystander” emotional damages are also available when a person witnesses the tragic death of a loved one, which causes emotional stress.
If you have any additional questions about personal injury damages in Indiana, you should contact a local personal injury attorney to help answer any inquiries you may have. Many Indiana car accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing up front and only pay your lawyer when they have obtained a settlement or verdict for you.
Indiana Personal Injury Lawyer Ready and Able to Represent You
The legal team at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C. is ready to help you and your family. We understand how to take on the big auto insurance companies and secure maximum compensation for you. Contact our office to schedule a free case review with a dedicated personal injury attorney so we can get to work on your case.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock

On June 15, 2017, officials announced criminal charges in a bizarre case that left a Dyer man with a traumatic brain injury. According to a Chicago Tribune report, a man contacted police on February 22, 2016 to state that his 54-year-old father was acting disoriented and confused. The victim was unable to explain a head injury he’d suffered, and was taken to Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Upon investigation, authorities pieced together that the man was attacked around February 19 by another individual. Even 17 months later, the victim continues to experience medical effects of his traumatic brain injury (TBI), including a temporary inability to speak, memory loss, seizures and a permanent deformity of his skull from surgery. The impacts of a TBI are severe, but a Munster head injury attorney may be able to help the victim recover for his losses.
Factors to Consider in TBI Injuries
Head injuries are unlike other personal injury matters because of the specialized medical treatment necessary, especially when surgery is required. The physician specialists that perform procedures on the brain are among the highest paid medical professionals, including neurologists, cerebrovascular and skull base practitioners, and others.
In addition, TBIs typically require lengthy hospital stays before it’s safe for a victim to return home. These are billed separately from the procedure services of specialists and other healthcare providers. Hospitals may charge up to $4,000 per day, depending on the specific services you require.
After leaving the hospital, you can expect recovery for a TBI to last for weeks, months, or even years. Physical therapy, rehabilitative care, and occupational therapy are usually required for the most serious brain injuries.
Non-Medical Factors
There are areas of your life affected by a TBI which may not apply if you’ve suffered injuries to other parts of the body. Any injury can lead to you to be out of work; for a TBI, that time away from your job can be years, and your lost wages will be considerable. If you’re permanently disabled and unable to work, there’s an impact on your future earning potential. Plus, there are costs related to treating the side effects of severe head trauma. The brain is responsible for the functions of the body, and all of these can be affected if you suffer a TBI.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney with Experience in TBI Cases
Whether caused by an accident or an attack, TBIs have devastating consequences for the victim. Medical treatment for these types of injuries may include surgery, rehabilitation therapy, and long-term care; some victims never fully recover and must deal with the effects of a TBI for a lifetime. Plus, the pain and suffering is tremendous. Fortunately, Indiana law does allow the victim of a TBI to recover compensation, but these types of cases are extremely complicated. You need a personal injury attorney with an extensive legal background and specific experience with head injury cases. If you or a loved one has experienced a TBI or similar type of injury, please contact the lawyers at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C. to schedule a free initial consultation.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock

Neck and back pain are among the most commonly reported car accident injuries. The high-intensity impact of an auto accident can cause fractures, whiplash, bruises and other injuries that may not be immediately visible. Such injuries may cause long-term pain and suffering and may complicate the victim’s professional and personal life.
If you were injured, don’t wait to seek compensation alongside a skilled car accident lawyer at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C. We fight for the victims who have been wrongfully hurt due to another’s negligent actions and can help you learn more about possible recompense.
Types of Neck and Back Pain Caused By Auto Accidents
Auto accidents can result in severe, life-changing disabilities, especially when they involve large trucks such as semis. The victim may never fully recover from their injuries, which can include health complications impacting their neck and back. Whiplash is the most common cause of neck and back pain in an accident. While it’s not a medical term, whiplash refers to cervical acceleration-deceleration, which occurs when the head whips back and forth during an impact. Whiplash is most commonly associated with rear-end collisions.
Unfortunately, whiplash frequently leads to chronic pain and neck stiffness, so injured victims need to seek medical attention at the soonest opportunity. Doing so allows you to not only heal but also pursue the compensation to which you are entitled.
There are several common neck and back injuries caused by auto accidents, and they may involve ligaments, bones, muscle tissues, joints and nerves. Car crash victims may develop the following complications:
- Fractured bones
- Soft tissue injuries, such as a sprain
- Herniated disk
- Spinal stenosis
While some injuries may immediately cause symptoms that disrupt your life, other injuries can take days or even weeks to become apparent. During this time, you should be working alongside an experienced car accident lawyer to determine what damages you may be able to recover.
How Back and Neck Injuries are Compensated
After an accident, victims may experience physical and mental suffering and a decreased quality of life. Neck and back pain is more than simply the symptoms you experience: you may face medical expenses, a loss of productivity and emotional damage as a result. An attorney can help you learn which damages may be uncovered depending on your specific circumstances:
- Economic Damages. Also referred to as special damages, economic damages are easy to quantify and include costs of medical care, lost income and other relevant costs. You’ll want to keep any medical bills, receipts and other information that can help our attorneys demonstrate the quantitative cost of the accident.
- Non-Economic Damages. As its name suggests, non-economic damages are general damages that may be more difficult to define. These damages involve complications that do not cost money but still compromise your quality of life. Examples include trauma and emotional suffering as a result of your injuries. Record your emotional and physical condition and keep information related to therapy visits to help support your call for recompense.
In order to seek fair compensation, cooperate with your doctors and record the state of your health every day. We’ll use this information to build a solid case in your favor.
Contact an Attorney
If you sustained back or neck injuries in an auto accident, you deserve to seek compensation alongside an experienced attorney. When you were inquired due to someone’s carelessness, Tanzillo, Stassin & Babcock P.C. fights for your entitled benefits. Call our firm today to schedule a consultation.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock

Being injured by another driver’s negligence puts you in a very difficult situation, but if the other driver is uninsured, the situation becomes that much more challenging. Fortunately, all hope is not lost. Most drivers purchase some uninsured motorist coverage with their own car insurance policies, which can provide you with the coverage you need to fully recover for your losses. If an uninsured motorist leaves you injured, it’s time to consult with an experienced auto accident attorney in Indiana.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In Indiana, carrying uninsured motorist insurance (UMI) is not a requirement, but the insurance company from whom you purchased your policy is required to offer it at the time of purchase, and the only way to refuse it is in writing. As such, it’s very likely that you have some uninsured motorist insurance.
Filing Your Claim
If a driver without insurance leaves you injured, there are several important steps that you’ll need to take. One of these is filing an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance company – for which you’ll need to prove the other driver’s negligence. All the following can help you accomplish this primary task:
- The police report
- Eyewitness testimony
- Physical evidence at the scene of the accident
- Expert testimony
Your practiced car accident attorney has the experience and legal insight to build your strongest claim in pursuit of fair compensation that covers your physical, emotional, and financial damages in their entirety.
Fault in car accidents often plays out in one of the following common forms of driver negligence:
- Impairment
- Aggression
- Excess speed
- Exhaustion
- Distraction
The Losses You Experience
The losses you experience as a result of another driver’s negligence for which you can seek compensation in an uninsured motorist claim include all the following categories:
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Medical expenses that can be extensive and ongoing
- Lost income related to lost hours on the job
- Physical and psychological pain and suffering
How an Attorney Can Help
An experienced car accident attorney can help you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled in all the following ways:
- Communicating with the insurance company on your behalf and skillfully negotiating with the insurance company on behalf of your just compensation
- Building your strongest claim (via every available means)
- Ensuring that your claim remains within the exacting rules and regulations of the law
- Preparing for trial (in the event the insurance company refuses to engage in good faith negotiations)
- Helping you understand the claims process and helping you make well-considered decisions throughout
An Experienced Indiana Car Accident Attorney Can Help
If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver without car insurance, the path forward can be daunting without professional legal counsel on your side. The accomplished Indiana car accident attorneys at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C., have a wealth of experience successfully guiding claims like yours toward favorable resolutions, and we’re here for you, too. Your claim is important, so please don’t delay contacting us for more information today.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock

There are a variety of factors that are considered in determining how much compensation a victim of a car accident is entitled to receive. Compensation can vary widely from case to case, and you want an attorney evaluating your rights who knows what factors should be considered.
In Indiana, the team of Tanzillo, Stassin, and Babcock P.C. is cognizant of how a multitude of factors can weigh into calculating an appropriate damages award for an injured plaintiff. Here is a brief synopsis of the most important factors that contribute to accurately assessing what your personal injury claim from an auto accident is worth. To discuss your situation, please reach out for a case evaluation.
Past and Future Damages
Compensation for a car accident victim first depends on their actual losses and estimated future losses. Someone with only a few thousand dollars in medical bills from an injury that is completely healed usually does not have a basis for seeking millions of dollars. On the other hand, $10,000 would not even begin to cover the losses of someone with a catastrophic injury and permanent effects.
Calculating your damages can be challenging, but car accident lawyers know how to value the following losses and more:
- Medical bills
- Estimated costs of future medical care
- Pain and suffering
- Mental trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disabilities or disfigurement
- Wrongful death
Insurance Limits
Many people carry minimal insurance coverage. If another driver causes you severe injuries but has a limited policy limit, it could impact your compensation. Your lawyer can explore other options to get you maximum compensation, which can include determining whether another party shared liability.
For example, if a driver was working when the accident happened, their employer might also be vicariously liable for the driver’s negligence. This is true of many delivery drivers, construction workers who operate vehicles, commercial truck drivers, and more. Employers tend to have greater insurance policies, which can help to ensure you have coverage of all your losses.
Other Liability Concerns
Insurance companies might try to blame you partially for the accident. This is because if you share some liability, the insurer can reduce your compensation. You need a lawyer who can prove that your conduct did not play a role in the accident or – if it did – minimize the percentage of fault that is assigned to you. This works to maximize your financial recovery.
An Indiana Car Accident Lawyer is Ready to Help
In Indiana, if you are pursuing a personal injury claim arising out of a car accident, you need to contact the skilled and experienced attorneys at Tanzillo, Stassin & Babcock P.C. Our firm is fully equipped to represent your claim. We will fight to the fullest extent possible to ensure you receive all the compensation you are entitled to, and we do not back down to insurance companies. Do not hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation today.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock

You’ll want to pick the right lawyer after you’ve been injured in a serious car accident. Most people stunned by the destruction that a major accident can cause are not always thinking of the finer points of the legal process. As Munster auto accident lawyers, we’ve compiled a list of questions to ask at the beginning of your accident case.
Questions to Ask a Munster Auto Accident Lawyer
- What kind of cases do you handle? Mostly accidents?
- How long does it take you to return calls in general?
- How much money do you think I can get for my settlement?
- Will you help with all of the necessary paperwork?
- How long will it take to get my settlement?
- Is my case strong? Will I win?
- Will you personally handle my case?
- Which losses related to this accident can I be compensated for?
- What do I tell the insurance company if they call me?
- Do you think I’ll have to testify?
- After we reach a settlement agreement, how long until I get the money?
- What are your fees? How do I pay you?
- How many years have you been working on car accident cases?
- Do you belong to any professional associations? Have you won any professional awards?
- How often will you update me?
- Do you think my case will go to trial?
- What are the chances of a successful outcome?
- How many cases like mine have you won? What are the average settlements?
- What information do you need from me? How can I help?
- Should I speak with the insurance companies on my own?
How to Research a Lawyer Before You Hire
In addition to grilling potential lawyers with the laundry list of questions above, you should also thoroughly review their online reviews. You can also ask for references from previous clients. The local bar association also keeps records of disciplinary actions that any of their members are having or have had. This is another important place to check out a lawyer before you hire. Additionally, you can also just google the law firm’s name as well as your individual attorney’s name. This should show you what noteworthy cases he or she may have been involved with, as well as things like social media.
Common Mistakes When Hiring a Lawyer
Here are a few things to avoid when you are in the process of hiring an auto accident lawyer. First of all, do not hire the first lawyer who returns your call just because you’re eager to get started. Be patient. The best lawyers are usually the busier ones—keep that in mind. Another mistake is paying for an initial consultation. A lawyer who thinks you have a strong case will be more than happy to meet with you for free. Finally, another mistake people make when hiring an auto accident attorney is not reading the contract thoroughly. Lawyers invented “fine print,” so read before you sign.
Munster Auto Accident Lawyers Ready to Help
If you’ve been in an auto accident, you deserve the maximum settlement possible. Contact Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock today to schedule your free consultation. We’ll be more than happy to answer each and every one of your questions.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock
Can I Get My License Back After A DUI?

Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense that can lead to serious consequences, including death. If you are caught, arrested, and charged with a DUI in Dyer, it would be in your best interest to retain the services of an experienced Indiana DUI lawyer from Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C., to provide you with skillful legal representation.
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), Driving while intoxicated (DWI), driving under the influence (DUI), drunk driving, and driving while impaired are all identical offenses. The state of Indiana charges these offenses per statute as OWI.
Besides criminal penalties and fines, having a DUI arrest means you will also likely have your driving license suspended, unless you retain the services of a skilled DUI lawyer to fight for you in fending off the charges and avoiding the suspension of your license.
Suspension of a driver’s license means you will not be able to drive your car to work, school, or any place you would ordinarily use your car to drive to. This can be extremely hard on you, especially when you do not have other means you can easily go to these places. You should also avoid the temptation to drive while your driving license is suspended because if you are caught, then things will be even worse for you.
Period of DUI-Related Driver License Suspension
How long your driver’s license can be suspended depends on several factors. If this is your first DUI, then you should expect your driver’s license to be suspended for 180 days. However, in certain cases, you may be given restricted driving privileges, so you can drive to, for example, work or school. This is not automatic, for you must show that having even the restricted driving privilege is desirable in your case.
This is only if you did not refuse a field sobriety test. If you refused the test, then your license could be suspended for a full year.
If you have a prior DUI conviction, then you are likely to have your driving license suspended for an even longer period. For example, if you are convicted for DUI for a second time, then your license could be suspended between six months and two years, depending on your individual facts and circumstances.
What Happens After a Period of Driver License Suspension is Over?
Once your period of suspension is over, you will be able to resume driving, but only after you apply for reinstatement of your driving privileges and pay significant fees.
This is one of the reasons why you need to consult an experienced DUI lawyer as soon as you have been arrested on a DUI suspicion so the lawyer can apply their skills and the law to at least try and avoid the suspension altogether.
If suspension of your driver’s license is unavoidable, then the lawyer can help you in having some of the driving privileges restored as quickly as possible. Our experienced DUI lawyers know what needs to be documented and presented for your driving privileges to be partially or fully restored.
Consult with an Indiana DUI Defense Lawyer Today
If your driver’s license has been suspended in Indiana and you wish to have your driving privileges restored, then contact us today and speak to one of our knowledgeable attorneys to discuss your case.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock
Steps to Take Following an Accident

Safety and medical attention should be your first priority in the event of any type of accident (an injury at work, a car crash, a medical incident, or any other event). Eventually, after your initial injuries are addressed, you will likely start wondering about your legal rights and whether you can seek compensation for your injuries. This is when you should consult with an Indiana personal injury lawyer.
Always Call 9-1-1 First
It is often recommended to call 9-1-1, as you might not realize how injured you are. Let the dispatcher be the one to tell you that you don’t need a first responder (or let the first responder who shows up be the one to determine everyone is fine). Remember, there are numerous injuries that are not obvious right after an accident. Let the medical experts decide who should get further treatment.
Get the Necessary Medical Treatment
Be sure to follow up with the treatments or recommendations of the medical staff that examine you. Whiplash is a great example of an injury that we see underestimated often. After being rear-ended, your neck might only feel sore, and you might never imagine that you need physical therapy. If a doctor recommends that you attend therapy, however, you should follow these instructions. The professionals know best about how to best resolve your injuries.
Document Everything
Even today, with security cameras everywhere, there are still many injuries and accidents that are not caught on camera. Again, calling 9-1-1 helps establish the accident timeline and ensure there will be an accident report. Take pictures and videos of the area, people, and anything else that may be relevant. Sending text messages and making phone calls after the accident can also help show your state of mind and preserve the timeline.
Protect the Accident Scene
If you were involved in an accident, first responders (like police and the fire department) might work to preserve evidence and investigate the cause or other relevant details. Still, you should document everything! Don’t assume another driver, employee, neighbor, or whoever else won’t turn around and sue you despite having a different attitude at the scene of the accident.
When to Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
Do you think that someone else caused your accident? Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean that the claim process will be a simple one. It’s not hard for people with little experience with insurance settlements or the claim process to be exploited by other parties. We always recommend contacting a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can following an accident, even if you are unsure whether you have a valid claim. It never hurts to get some legal advice, and consultations are free with no obligation.
Dyer Personal Injury Lawyers Ready to Help
If you’ve been in an accident, don’t miss out on getting the maximum benefits you are due. Our legal team can review your situation and advise you of your options. Contact the Indiana personal injury attorneys at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock today.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock
How Auto Injuries Can Impact Your Life

Being injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence can lay you low and leave you wondering where to turn for the help you need. All told, an auto injury can alter the course of your life in ways that can be difficult to anticipate, but that reverberates throughout your life in exceptionally challenging ways. The losses you suffer in relation to auto injuries can be life-altering, but an experienced Indiana auto accident attorney can help.
The Serious Nature of Your Injuries
The immense impact of car accidents can leave you with exceptionally serious injuries, which can include any of the following:
- A broken bone that is highly painful, slow to heal, and can lead to debilitating consequences, such as chronic pain and physical limitations
- A traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can leave you with cognitive or physical impairments and extreme challenges in your daily life
- Spinal cord injuries, which – if very serious – can mean permanent paralysis.
- Burns, cuts, and abrasion, which are highly susceptible to dangerous infections and unsightly scarring that can also impede movement in the affected area (and, if on or near the face, can be permanently disfiguring)
In other words, there is no lack of serious physical, financial, and emotional consequences when it comes to auto accidents.
Your Losses
In addition to your physical injuries, you can face significant losses (or legal damages) as a result of a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, including:
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Your medical expenses, which may begin with emergency treatment and continue on to surgery, hospital stays, pain management, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and beyond
- Your lost wages, which can mean a loss in earning potential (in addition to current setbacks)
- Your physical and emotional pain and suffering, which can have long-lasting psychological effects – including fear of getting back behind the wheel and terrifying accident flashbacks – that are difficult to overcome
Moving forward with Your Life
You are injured, are facing financial setbacks, and are burdened with psychic pain, which can make moving forward with your life and your life plans exceptionally difficult – all as a result of someone else’s negligence, which makes the situation that much more difficult. All told, auto injuries can disrupt your life in ways that can be difficult to predict and difficult to overcome. Your rights and your future, however, are too important not to fight for your case’s best possible outcome, and a dedicated auto accident attorney can help you with that.
Reach Out to an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney in Northwest Indiana Today
If you have been injured by another driver’s negligence, the accomplished auto accident attorneys at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C. – proudly serving Northwest Indiana – have the experience, drive, and legal skill to help. Our dedicated legal team recognizes the serious nature of your situation and has an impressive track record of helping clients like you prevail with favorable case resolutions. To learn more, please don’t wait to contact us today.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock


