The trial court sentenced the defendant to ten (10) years

pursuant to a plea agreement. On November 9, 1989, an agreed order was entered

correcting the offense to simple robbery rather than armed robbery. On the same

date the trial court suspended the defendant’s sentence and placed him on

intensive probation for the balance of his sentence.

       On June 6, 1990, a probation violation report was filed. The record is unclear

as to whether an arrest warrant was issued shortly thereafter. However, an arrest

warrant was issued on August 9, 1996, alleging the defendant absconded on or

about May 23, 1990.       Another arrest warrant was subsequently issued, and

defendant was taken into custody on January 7, 1997. The warrants essentially

alleged that the defendant abscondedfrom supervision in 1990, failed to pay

appropriate fees and costs and did not report as ordered.

       The trial court held an evidentiary hearing on March 19, 1997. The probation

officer established that the defendant last reported on March 29, 1990.

Subsequently, the defendant left Madison County and the State of Tennessee

without permission. The defendant made no effort to contact or report to the

probation officer after leaving the state.



                                              2
Furthermore, the defendant did not pay the costs and fees which