In order to understand what probation violation is, you first must know what probation is. Probation is given to people by a judge as a sentence to serve, instead of going to jail for the full term of the sentence. Typically, only part of the sentence given is served. Sometimes, a sentence is given, but none of it is served, and probation is served instead. Probation can be obtained via a plea bargain, after pleading guilty, or after being convicted in a court trial. Probation violation is when a person does not follow the rules that are specified by the courts. The person may neglect to report in to his probation officer, may refuse to get a job, break a curfew, become a gun owner, or move away from the address on his or her court records. Criminal activity during probation, leaving the country, or refusal to do anything that the probation officer orders are all considered to be probation violation.