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Can I Get My Probation or Community Control Modified or Terminated Early?

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If you have been placed on probation or community control, a judge may modify or terminate a term of probation or community control and discharge you at any time. When satisfied that it will be in the best interests of justice and the welfare of society, a judge may discharge a probationer or offender on community control from further supervision. See Florida Statutes, Section 948.05.

What is Modification of Probation or Community Control?

When a person is sentenced to probation or community control the judge orders some general rules and some specific rules. Some general rules include not getting arrested and convicted of another offense while on probation. Some specific rules include no contact with a victim, restitution, and a limitation on travel. A judge may order someone or probation or community control to attend drug or alcohol treatment. A judge can modify or change most of the rules. For example, a judge can change travel restrictions and allow someone on probation or community control to travel outside of the original boundaries for business purposes, or for family and recreation-related reasons.

What Is Early Termination of Probation or Community Control?

Probation is ordered for a specific number of months or years. A judge can sentence you to probation or community control for the maximum amount of years you could have been sentenced to prison for the offense. Because probation and community control is an alternative to prison, judges often sentence defendants to long periods of probation and community control. A judge can modify or terminate a term of probation or community control previously ordered and discharge the defendant at any time if the judge is satisfied that the reduction is warranted by the conduct of the defendant. For example, a judge can reduce the number of years a defendant must be on probation or community control or grant early termination in cases where the defendant demonstrates changed circumstances, such as exceptionally good behavior.

What Are Some Good Reasons for Modification or Termination of Probation or Community Control?

The criteria for modification or early termination include:

  • law-abiding behavior;
  • compliance with the conditions of supervision, and
  • a responsible, productive lifestyle.

What is Law-Abiding Behavior?

A defendant must comply with all rules, regulations, and laws in order to be eligible for a modification or early termination. For example, a defendant should not get caught with a bag of weed or an open container of beer in the car. A defendant should not get arrested or convicted of anything while on probation or community control. You should obey all traffic laws and not drive while intoxicated. You may attend religious services and do volunteer work. Helping others is a sign of changed circumstances and exceptionally good behavior. A law-abiding defendant is more likely to be granted a modification or early termination than someone who is not.

What is Compliance with Conditions of Supervision?

A defendant must comply with all conditions of probation and community control. For example, a defendant must complete drug treatment or other programs and report on time. A defendant must keep a full-time job, pay taxes, and pay any special assessments and fines, and comply with forfeiture orders. A defendant should not test positive for drugs while under supervision. A defendant who knows the rules and follows them will have a better chance of modification or early termination.

What is A Responsible, Productive Lifestyle?

Modification or early termination is justified when a defendant is a responsible, productive member of society. For example, keeping a good job, paying taxes, getting married, having children, purchasing a home, and living a good clean lifestyle are reasons for modification or early termination. Good conduct and having a good relationship with your probation officer is very productive.

After a judge receives a request for modification or termination, he will review the request and make a decision based on the facts and circumstances of your case. Law-abiding behavior, compliance with the terms of supervision, and a responsible, productive lifestyle will all work in your favor.

Why Should I Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you have been placed on probation or community control and would like to get your probation or community control modified or terminated early it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Why Fernandez & ?

Fernandez & can assist and guide you through the process. Modification and early termination of probation and community control can be complex. Fernandez & may be able to help you find a solution.

If you need legal assistance getting a modification or termination, call 5 Star Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Daniel J. Fernandez of Fernandez & at (813) 229-5353.

Daniel J. Fernandez

Daniel J. Fernandez

Daniel J. Fernandez defends individuals charged with a misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses throughout the Tampa Bay area and the State of Florida. With more than 30 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney and hundreds of jury trials, Daniel earned tremendous accolades from judges, other lawyers, defendants, and even jurors. Daniel started his legal career as a state prosecutor and became the chief of the Narcotics division before opening his own law practice in 1985.

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