Could I be sentenced to prison instead of jail for a probation revocation?

It’s possible. You could be sentenced to prison time instead of jail time if the crime that you were originally convicted of is one that would have allowed a judge to sentence you to prison.[867] On the other hand, if the crime you were originally convicted of would not have allowed a judge to sentence you to prison time, then your probation revocation time cannot be sentenced to prison either.

SUMMARY: Possible sentences FOR a PROBATION REVOCATION

What are the options the court has for sentencing/ punishment if they revoke probation? The judge could:

    Reinstate your probation on the same terms and conditions;Reinstated and modify (change) the terms of your probation to make them more difficult, (including adding fines, community service, or public works service); ORRevoke and terminate your probation—and send you to jail or prison, depending on the commitment offense.[868]
  1. 867

    Cal. Penal Code § 1203.2 (d). The statute reads: “In any case of revocation and termination of probation, including, but not limited to, cases in which the judgment has been pronounced and the execution thereof has been suspended, upon the revocation and termination, the court may, in lieu of any other sentence, commit the person to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Facilities if he or she is otherwise eligible for such commitment.” Cal. Penal Code § 1203.2 (d).

  2. 868

    Cal. Penal Code § 1203.1(j).