How to Get Off Probation Early in Orlando: A Proactive Guide

By: John Guidry II

If you are facing a sentence that includes probation, you’re likely already wondering how you can get it terminated early. The key to getting off probation as quickly as possible is to plan early. The best time to strategize your exit from probation is before your probation even begins.

My name is John Guidry, and I want to share two powerful strategies we use to help our clients end their supervision ahead of schedule.

Facing a Sentence with Probation in Orlando? Let’s plan your exit strategy from day one. Call my office to discuss how we can fight for an early termination clause in your plea agreement. Call John Guidry: (407) 423-1117

Strategy #1: Negotiate Early Termination into Your Initial Plea Deal

This is the most effective strategy. We “bake” the early termination right into the cake from the very beginning. As part of your plea agreement, we get the prosecutor to agree, upfront, that your probation will be terminated as soon as you complete certain conditions.

This is especially powerful in cases involving restitution.

• A Real-World Example: I had a client who owed about $5,000 in restitution. We negotiated a plea deal where his probation would be terminated as soon as the full amount was paid. The day after his sentencing, he paid the $5,000. A day or two after that, his probation was terminated. He spent a grand total of two days on probation. Had he paid the restitution before the plea, we would have lost our most powerful bargaining chip.

Strategy #2: Use Florida’s “Mandatory” ETP Statute

If an early termination agreement wasn’t part of your original plea, you still have an excellent option. A Florida law (Statute 948.04) can force a judge to terminate your probation if you meet certain criteria.

You can use this law if:

• You have completed at least half of your probation.
• You have completed all of your special conditions (classes, fines, etc.).
• You have not had any probation violations.
• You are not on probation for certain disqualifying violent or sexual offenses.

The most important thing to know is that this is not automatic. You must file a formal motion with the court to trigger this law.

The Key to Success: A Local Attorney Who Knows the System

I know it may sound self-serving, but you must hire an attorney to navigate this process. After filing early termination motions for over 32 years, I’ve seen too many people get shot down trying to do it themselves. You need a local attorney who knows the judges and prosecutors and can craft the right strategy for your specific case.

Get a good local attorney, and things will work out for you. If you want to get out of your probation in Orange, Seminole, or Osceola County, give me a call. Let’s see if we can help you out.

If you’re tired of reading articles, I completely understand, and that is why you may want to check out this video that takes a deeper dive into early termination of probation, its called “Florida Probation Hacks: 4 Insider Tips for Early Termination.”

About the Author, John Guidry II

John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.

Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.

Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.

When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.