In probation terminology, a technical violation is best described as?

• A. Criminal offense
• B. Administrative offense
• C. Violating probation terms
• D. Rule violation

Answer: (D)

In probation practice, a technical violation refers to breaching the conditions or rules of supervision rather than committing a new crime. It’s about failing to follow the terms set by the court or probation officer—things like missing required meetings, not reporting, failing a drug test, or not completing mandated programs.

Because it centers on breaking the rules of probation itself, the best description is a rule violation. This highlights that the issue is about adherence to the probation terms, not about a new criminal act. The other ideas imply a new offense or an administrative matter, which aren’t the focus when we talk about technical violations.