What does revocation mean in a court case?

Asked by: Dr. Breanne Schowalter  |  Last update: January 27, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (23 votes)

In a court case, revocation means the formal cancellation of a conditional release, like probation or bail, because the person violated the court-ordered terms, often leading to the original suspended jail sentence being imposed or stricter conditions added. It's a legal process where a judge voids the privilege of community supervision due to non-compliance, such as missing meetings, failing drug tests, or committing new crimes.

What is the first stage of the revocation hearing?

Preliminary and revocation hearings are conducted in two phases. The first (allegation) phase is limited to presenting evidence for alleged violations. The hearing does not proceed to the second phase unless an applicable level of proof is found for at least one violation.

What does revocation mean in court?

Revocation is an annulment or cancellation of a statement or agreement.

What are the consequences of revocation?

The consequences of revocation vary by context (probation, license, contract) but generally involve the cancellation of privileges, potential legal penalties like jail time or fines, financial losses, and operational disruptions, with specific impacts including imprisonment for probation violations, license termination, or contract disputes, requiring reapplication or legal action to resolve. 

Does revoked mean cancelled?

Yes, revoked means essentially the same as cancelled, but it's a more formal term, often used by an authority to officially withdraw or annul something previously granted, like a license, permit, agreement, or privilege, making it void from that point. While "cancelled" can be general, "revoked" implies a formal act of taking back a right or status that was given, meaning it's often more serious, like a driver's license being revoked versus just paused (suspended). 

What Does Revoke Mean In Court? - CountyOffice.org

18 related questions found

Does revoke mean cancelled?

Yes, revoked means essentially the same as cancelled, but it's a more formal term, often used by an authority to officially withdraw or annul something previously granted, like a license, permit, agreement, or privilege, making it void from that point. While "cancelled" can be general, "revoked" implies a formal act of taking back a right or status that was given, meaning it's often more serious, like a driver's license being revoked versus just paused (suspended). 

Is suspended or revoked worse?

The main difference between a suspended license and a revoked license is the time that a driver is denied the privilege of driving. A suspension is temporary, but revocation is often indefinite. A revoked license can cause more significant disruption to your life than a suspension since it's a long-term ban.

What are the three types of revocation?

Types of Revocation

Intentional revocation. Revocation by operation of law. Mutual cancellation by both parties. Revoking an offer before it is accepted.

What are common reasons for revocation hearings?

There are several reasons why an individual might be subject to a probation revocation defense hearing. This could include violations such as breaking laws, missing court dates or appointments, failing drug tests, and not keeping up with community service requirements.

What does it mean when a court case is revoked?

Revocation refers to the formal cancellation or annulment of a previously granted permission or agreement. This can apply to various situations, such as revoking a person's driving privileges due to repeated violations or rescinding an immigrant's citizenship following a criminal conviction.

What evidence is needed for revocation?

Evidence for revocation (like probation or parole) requires proving, by a "preponderance of the evidence" (more likely than not), that conditions were violated, using less formal evidence than trials, such as officer reports, test results, or witness statements, to show violations like new crimes, missed appointments, or failed drug tests. The key is showing the violation occurred, with the standard of proof being lower than "beyond a reasonable doubt". 

What to expect at a revocation hearing?

During the hearing, the judge will review the arguments and evidence presented by the probation officer and decide whether you violated your probation and, if so, determine the consequences, including sending you to jail or prison, extending your probation, or imposing heavy fines.

What should I wear to a revocation hearing?

Dress Appropriately: Dress as you would for a formal court appearance. Wear conservative, professional attire to convey respect for the court. Ensure you are well-groomed and present yourself in a manner that reflects seriousness and responsibility.

What does revocation mean in court terms?

revocation. n. 1) mutual cancellation of a contract by the parties to it. 2) withdrawing an offer before it is accepted ("I revoke my offer"). 3) cancelling a document before it has come into legal effect or been acted upon, as revoking a will.

How long do you sit in jail for probation revocation?

The amount of time you spend in jail for a probation violation depends on several factors. In some cases, you may be released within hours on bond. However, if the court decides to hold you, you can remain in jail for days or even weeks before a judge reviews your case.

Which standard of proof is used at revocation hearings?

Preponderance of the evidence is also the standard applied to probation revocation. United States v.

Does revoked mean removed?

Yes, "revoke means delete", but more specifically, it means to officially take back, cancel, withdraw, or annul something that was previously granted or in effect, like a license, permission, law, or agreement, making it as if it never existed or is no longer valid, which is similar to deleting it but often with formal or legal implications. While you can think of it as deleting a right or permission, it's about formal cancellation, not just removing data. 

What might a judge do if he or she determines that a probation violation has occurred?

If a judge finds a probation violation, they can impose a range of consequences from minor adjustments to full revocation, including continuing probation with stricter terms, adding requirements like counseling or community service, extending the probation period, or revicing probation to order the defendant to serve the original suspended jail or prison sentence, depending on the violation's severity and the person's history.
 

Can you appeal a revocation?

Appealing the Order or Ruling

If factual errors surface, the appellate court will remand the case back to the lower level. In your appeal, your attorney must successfully argue that a legal error was made when forming the recommendation or decision to revoke or suspend your license.

What is revocation in simple words?

Revocation is a noun form of the verb revoke, which means to take back, withdraw, or cancel. Revoke and revocation are typically used in the context of officially taking back or cancelling some kind of right, status, or privilege that has already been given or approved.

What is a revocation on court records?

Parole. The conditional release of a prisoner before completing their sentence, often with specific requirements. Revocation. The act of canceling probation or parole due to violations of its terms.

What is the process of revocation?

Revocation means act of annulment. Section 5 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 lays down the rules of Revocation of Proposal. Section 5 says that a Contract can be revoked any time before the communication of acceptance is made to the proposer and not afterwards.

Does revoked mean permanent?

"Revoked" means a license or privilege is terminated and invalid, often seen as more permanent than a temporary "suspension," but it doesn't always mean forever; you usually have to reapply for a new privilege after a set period and meet strict conditions, which can involve retesting and hearings, though some revocations are permanent, especially for serious offenses. 

How many times can you get revoked?

You can only have your license revoked once under the new drivers act so the answer is no.

Does a revoked license appear on background checks?

Criminal convictions, including traffic violations that are classified as criminal violations like driving under the influence or with a revoked or suspended license, will always appear on basic background checks.