If you or a loved one have been placed on federal probation or supervised release, you may be eligible for modification or early termination! It is possible for a federal judge to change or end your probation or supervised release after only one year. Early termination of probation or supervised release is considered reasonable when a defendant shows ‘changed circumstances’, such exceptionally good behavior. For a judge to do this though, it must be ‘in the interest of justice’. So what does that mean?
What You Need to Show to Change or End Your Supervision
For a change or end to your probation or supervised released to be possible, you must show these things:
- law-abiding behavior;
- compliance with the conditions of supervision, and
- a responsible, productive lifestyle.
What Is Law-Abiding Behavior?
You must follow all of the rules, regulations and laws in order to qualify for early termination. You cannot be breaking the law! For example, you should not get caught with a bag of weed or an open container of beer in the car. In fact, you CANNOT get arrested or convicted of anything at all while on probation or supervised release if you expect relief. You must follow the law, even traffic laws and you definitely cannot drive while intoxicated. It helps if you attend religious services and do volunteer work because 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. Simply put, don’t break the law!
What Is Compliance With Conditions of Supervision?
You must meet all conditions of probation or supervised release. For example, you must complete drug treatment (if ordered) or other programs and report on time to your PO. It is important that you keep a full-time job and pay any special assessments and fines (including forfeiture orders). You must NOT test positive for drugs while under supervision. Simply put, you must know the rules and follows them!
What Is a Responsible, Productive Lifestyle?
A change or end to your probation or supervised release is most likely when you are a ‘responsible, productive member of society’. What that means is that you should do things like keep a good job, pay taxes, get married, have children, purchase a home and live a good clean lifestyle. Good behavior and having a good relationship with your probation officer is very important. Simply put, be a good citizen and do right!
After a judge receives a request for modification or termination, he or she will review the request and make a decision based on your case. Obeying the law, following the rules of your supervision and living a responsible, productive lifestyle are your best bet.
Should I Contact a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney?
If you or a loved one are on federal probation or supervised release it is important that you speak with an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer. An experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to get a modification or termination of your probation or supervised release.
