what kind of lawyer do i need for probation closed early

by Manuel White 9 min read

Step 1: Consult an Experienced Defense Attorney
An experienced attorney can help you: File a request with the court to terminate your probation early.
Aug 10, 2016

Full Answer

How can an attorney help my probation case?

Be prepared to answer questions from the judge. The attorney will also file a formal motion on your behalf and include documents and evidence to help support your case. The attorney may also be able to speak with your probation agent and convince them to write a favorable report on your behalf.

Can a judge let you off probation early?

Keep in mind that whether or not a judge will let you off probation early is completely up to the judge. Each court has different policies and procedures that they may follow. You may also speak with your probation officer to see if they will send a favorable recommendation to the judge on your behalf.

How do I get Out of probation early in Florida?

To request early release from probation, you will need to file a Motion for Early Termination of Probationin the court where you were convicted. Because this process requires drafting a formal court pleading with accompanying documents, it is recommended that you ask a lawyer for help.

How can I get off of probation without being supervised?

This will show the judge later that you can be compliant, follow rules, and are well suited to be unsupervised. Pay off all court fines and costs. If your court fines, costs, restitution, or probation fees are not paid off in full, the judge will not let you off of probation. Check with your probation officer or the court to find out your balance.

What are the rules of probation in Pennsylvania?

Similar to house arrest, the offender must comply to the strict terms of their probation, but are not required to stay at home. Their sentence will typically involve at least 8-12 meetings with their probation officer each month, as well as face-to-face and telephone contact at all hours of the day, 7 days a week.

What happens if you break probation in PA?

Possible outcomes of a violation may be: Revocation of your probation, resulting in jail time for the rest of the original sentence. Revocation of your probation and another sentence, up to the legal maximum for your original crime. Mandatory enrollment in drug or alcohol rehabilitation or counseling program.

How do I get off probation early in PA?

Pennsylvania law gives judges the authority to release defendants from probation early. (Generally, to be released from probation early you have to pay off your fines, complete at least half of your probation and complete all court ordered classes and treatment.) Sec. 9771.

How do I write a letter requesting an early termination of probation?

Recap the main points of why you feel you should be released from probation early in your final paragraph. Mention that you have suffered mental anguish and feel very remorseful for the crime you committed. Thank the judge for reading your letter. Ask him to take it into consideration when he makes his decision.

How long is probation violation in PA?

If you violate your probation by committing another crime, your probation officer can arrest you immediately. If this occurs, state law guarantees you the right to a probation violation hearing within two days.

Can you get bail on probation violation PA?

The Bottom Line. It's hard to get bail when you have been accused of a probation violation. The burden is on you to prove to the court why you should get out pending your hearing. Often judges will make you sit in jail while waiting to get your hearing to contest any alleged violations.

Can probation be reduced in PA?

In the state of Pennsylvania, yes, it can end early. While the court can decide to shorten someone's sentence, people can also petition the court for an early end.

What is special probation in Pennsylvania?

General conditions of special probation or parole. A special probationer or parolee is subject to the following conditions: (1) Be under the supervision of a district office or suboffice and not leave that district without prior written permission of the parole supervision staff.

How do you write a letter to a judge?

0:191:25How to Address a Letter to a Judge - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clip2 right the judges name and the courts address along the left margin beneath your own use the titleMore2 right the judges name and the courts address along the left margin beneath your own use the title honorable. Before the judges name for instance honorable John Smith. Step.

How do you write a letter to a judge asking for leniency?

A letter requesting leniency should always address the judge as “Your Honor.” The letter should be truthful and express regret for the offense, unless the defendant is maintaining their innocence of the charges. It should note the defendant's efforts to rehabilitate themselves in chronological order.

How do you write a letter to a probation officer?

Inform the recipient why you are writing the letter. In the case of a letter to a probation officer discuss lawfulness, employment, and family responsibilities. Give specific examples of progress. If the probation officer has offered any special help, thank them for their hard work and dedication.

Why do you end your probation early?

1. It eliminates the risk of a probation violation. While you’re on probation, the court can sentence you to time in jail or prison if you’re arrested for any crime regardless of whether or not you’re convicted.

Why do you have to terminate probation?

There are justifiable reasons to terminate the probation early. Reasons might include an inability to advance at work or secure gainful employment due to probation.

What are the benefits of a probationary period?

One of the benefits of terminating your probation is the possibility of having your record expunged. Expungement clears the conviction from your record which can be significant in a number of circumstances like securing employment or housing. Depending on the details of your case, expungement might also allow you to restore your gun rights, or relieve you from mandatory sex-offender registration. The sooner your probation is terminated; the sooner you can apply for such additional relief.

How long is probation for a misdemeanor?

At least one year of a probation sentence for a misdemeanor conviction. At lest 18 months of a probation sentence for a felony conviction. When a judge deems your early probation termination to be warranted will depend on your circumstances and the facts of your case.

What happens if you are charged with probation violation?

If you’re charged with a probation violation you don’t have a right to a jury trial and could be sentenced by a judge at their discretion. Terminating your probation eliminates the possibility of facing probation violation charges or penalties. 2. You can have your criminal record expunged sooner.

How long does it take to file a motion for early termination of probation?

This motion must be filed at least two days before the date of the requested hearing.

What are the hardships of probation?

The judge will also consider potential hardships that the defendant may be facing as a result of probation such as. Difficulty obtaining gainful employment or advancing at work. Inability to qualify for a loan. Inability to travel for necessary family or employment reasons.

What to tell a probation judge?

Be prepared to tell the judge about the class or community service you completed, where you are employed or going to school. The judge will want to be reassured that you are rehabilitated and will not commit any future crimes ...

Can you get off probation early?

If you have violated any terms of your probation you are probably not the best candidate to get off probation early. From the very beginning, follow your probation terms EXACTLY as the judge and your probation ordered. This will show the judge later that you can be compliant, follow rules, and are well suited to be unsupervised.

Can a judge let you off probation?

Keep in mind that whether or not a judge will let you off probation early is completely up to the judge. Each court has different policies and procedures that they may follow. You may also speak with your probation officer to see if they will send a favorable recommendation to the judge on your behalf. As previously stated, an attorney can help you through these obstacles. Good luck!

Why do you need a lawyer for probation?

Through a lawyer, he or she may mitigate the damage of the violation to provide a better chance of keeping the probation active and not incurring revocation of the probation period. Hiring a lawyer when facing the courts is generally advisable.

When a person violates probation, should they remain honest?

When the person did commit a violation to the probation period, he or she should remain honest and tell the judge why he or she violated the terms of probation. Through a lawyer, it is possible to present the details without the issue becoming complicated.

What happens when a probation violation is heard?

Probation Violation Hearing. When a person faces the courtroom for a violation hearing, he or she may not understand what this entails. The prosecuting lawyer does not need the same beyond a shadow of a reasonable doubt in charging the person with the violation and succeeding in the judge’s positive decision to penalize the violator.

What happens if you don't have legal representation?

Without legal representation, the individual may fail at giving his or her reasons for violating the probation or in refuting the charges successfully. Then, the person may face additional sentencing or a loss of probation entirely.

What happens when you face the opposing lawyer?

Facing the opposing lawyer may decrease chances of a positive outcome when the probation member is not aware of how to proceed with the situation. Knowing that he or she will need more evidence or to refute the charges with overwhelming evidence, it is possible to mitigate the damage of the hearing.

When is legal representation needed?

Legal representation is critical when the person facing a probation violation hearing could lose his or her probation for the violation. When the individual did not commit the violation he or she receives charges for, the person will need at least legal advice on how to proceed.

Do you need a lawyer for probation hearing?

However, hiring the lawyer to prepare for a probation violation hearing is essential in either refuting the claims or admitting to it with an explanation that may satisfy the judgment over the matter. The legal representative may mitigate the damage of a violation penalty such as a warning, jail time or community service.

The Road to Probation & How to End it

In a typical criminal case, a client will accept a deal that minimizes the damage to the charges filed against them . Doing so, they will agree to be on probation from anywhere between 1 to five years—3 being the most common.

Applying for a Motion For Early Termination of Probation

Almost uniformly, California courts will allow probationers to petition the assigned court (commonly referred to as Post-Conviction Calendars) for early termination of probation. There are unfortunately no standard forms for these petitions and many clients must rely on their attorneys to draft, serve, and file the appropriate pleadings.

The Mechanics Behind the Motion for Early Termination

As stated above, the authority given to sitting judges and commissioners to determine of someone may have their probation terminated early is enumerated under California Penal Code §1203.3. It is within this code section that gives judges:

How to get out of probation early?

To request early release from probation, you will need to file a Motion for Early Termination of Probationin the court where you were convicted. Because this process requires drafting a formal court pleading with accompanying documents, it is recommended that you ask a lawyer for help.

How to file a motion for early termination of probation?

The process for filing a Motion for Early Termination of Probationis as follows: Write your Motion and Supporting Documents. There is no official court form for this motion, so you or your lawyer will have to write your own motion. Your motion will consist of these 5 parts:[3318]

How much notice do you need to give to the DA for a motion for early termination of probation?

The law requires you to give the DA at least 2 days notice of your Motion so he or she can prepare for the hearing as well. [3319] Attend The Hearing. When you file your Motion for Early Termination of Probation, the clerk will give you a court date for your motion to be heard by a judge.

How to Terminate Probation Before the End Date

Probation comes with certain restrictions and conditions. Common examples are random drug and alcohol testing, orders to stay away from certain people or places, mandatory counseling, and maintaining employment. In many ways, achieving probation is a positive outcome, as it is a better alternative to incarceration.

Making a Motion to Terminate Probation Early

In Massachusetts, you can request early termination from probation or parole in two different ways: you may hire a Middlesex County criminal defense attorney to petition the court after completing at least one year of supervision, or make the request through the probation officer after completing half of the term of supervision.

How a Probation Termination Attorney Can Help

If you or a loved one wishes to terminate probation early in Massachusetts, the best course of action is to hire a criminal defense lawyer to assist you with the legal process.

Why do you have to terminate probation early?

Generally, in addition to showing that you have been meeting the requirements of your probation, you must also demonstrate that your probation is interfering with an important aspect of your life. One of the most common reasons for the request of early probation termination and expungement ...

What happens if you don't get probation?

When not on probation, if you are arrested for a crime, you have the right to a jury trial and will not serve a prison sentence unless convicted.

What are the benefits of a probation termination?

Benefits of Early Probation Termination. The clearest benefit of terminating your probation is that as soon as you are no longer on probation, you can also get your record expunged. Once your record has been expunged, you will regain many of the rights that you may have lost while you had a conviction on your record.

What is supervised probation?

This is also called “supervised” probation because, in most cases, you are assigned a probation officer whom you must report to at regular, scheduled times. Your probation officer will check on: Whether you are looking for work (or currently working) and how it’s going. What activities you have been up to.

What is the form of probation for a felony?

You have to document meeting each requirement and show the court that you completed it by a specific date. Formal Probation. Formal probation is usually used in felony cases. Not all felonies carry this form of probation, but violent offenses (and sex crimes) typically do.

Why do you have to get your probation expunged in California?

One of the most common reasons for the request of early probation termination and expungement of a criminal record in California is that the probation is interfering with the defendant’s ability to find a job or receive a promotion. Another common reason given for requesting early termination is that the defendant needs to move for one reason ...

What is informal probation?

Informal Probation. Informal probation is usually used for misdemeanor crimes. It is “unsupervised,” in that there is no probation officer you have to check in with regularly. However, that does not make it easy to complete. Instead, the burden of completing all of your probation requirements is on you.