Probation is an important part of the criminal justice system. People on probation are under the court-ordered supervision of a probation officer. People can face probation instead of a prison sentence or they can face probation after serving part of their prison term. Although probationers are generally allowed to remain in their own homes and do not have to be in jail, they must comply with strict regulations. A violation of any term or condition of probation can result in incarceration, even if the alleged violation was seemingly unintentional.
If you are currently serving probation, you understand how harsh it can be. Under certain circumstances, you could be eligible to pursue early termination of probation in St. Petersburg. Our dedicated team of attorneys can meet with you to review your legal options and see if you meet the criteria to pursue early termination.
When someone is on probation, they have a great deal of restrictions on how and where they can live their life. They can be subject to alcohol and drug testing at random intervals, have travel restrictions, have a curfew, have mandated counseling, and have to maintain regular employment. They might also not be able to visit with specific people or engage in certain acts. Some people might find that probation affects their quality of life. Taking time off work to visit with a probation officer can also lead to costly lost wages.
Other people on probation might have a good job opportunity in another county or state. If they accept that new job, they would need to move to a new location, where maintaining regular contact with their probation officer would prove difficult. Some people on probation need to regularly visit a family member who lives out of state.
To receive an early ending of probation, a petitioner would need to demonstrate that they have a good reason. A seasoned St. Petersburg attorney will review the eligibility requirements with the petitioner to see if they could qualify for early termination of their probation.
Florida Statutes Section 948.04 sets forth the requirements for a petitioner to obtain an early termination of their probation.
To be eligible, the probationer must meet the following requirements:
In addition, the probationer cannot be a convicted violent offender for which the court has a special concern. As part of a negotiated sentence, the probationer must not have agreed to exclude the possibility of terminating probation early.
Even if all requirements are met, a court still has discretion to decide. A determined St. Petersburg legal team can help a petitioner develop a strong case for early termination of their probation.
If you are on probation and have met the conditions for more than half of your term, you might be eligible for early termination of probation in St. Petersburg. A skilled legal team can help you gather and present evidence showing that you have complied with the terms and contributed to your community.
Call our team today to learn about the legal process, and let us explain and guide you through the steps.