Do I Qualify for Early Termination of Probation in Orlando? A Checklist

By: John Guidry

If you are on probation, you are likely wondering if you can end your sentence early. The good news is that almost every person and every type of criminal charge in Florida qualifies for early termination. However, there are a few crucial hurdles you must clear to even get in the game.

Let’s run through the basics to see if you qualify.

Want to End Your Probation Early in Central Florida? Let’s review your case to see if you qualify and build the right strategy for your specific judge. Call my office for a consultation. Call John Guidry: (407) 423-1117

Step 1: Check Your Original Plea Agreement

This is the first and most important step. Dig out your plea form and sentencing documents from the beginning of your case.

• The Deal-Breaker: If your paperwork contains the phrase “No Early Termination,” you do not qualify. You made an agreement with the State and the judge, and there is nothing we can do to undo it.
• The Golden Ticket: If your paperwork is silent on the issue, that’s what we want to see. Silence is golden, and it means you are eligible to file a motion.

The General Eligibility Requirements

Once you’ve confirmed your plea deal doesn’t block you, you need to have your ducks in a row to have a real chance of success with most judges.

• Complete All Conditions: Every single requirement of your sentence must be finished. All fines and court costs must be paid, all community service hours must be done, and you must have completed any required counseling.
• Complete Half Your Term (Usually): Most judges want to see that you have successfully completed at least 50% of your probation. However, this is not a strict law. I have had motions for early termination granted before the halfway point, but it requires the right judge and the right circumstances.

The Unwritten Rule: Know Your Judge

This is the most critical factor. Judges are people, and they all have their own rules and philosophies about early termination. Some are open to it, while others almost never grant it. Hiring a local attorney who has been practicing in the same courthouse for decades gives you an invaluable advantage because we know the tendencies of the judges who will be ruling on your motion.

A Note on Florida’s “Mandatory” Early Termination Law: We are not talking today about the separate “mandatory” early termination law found in Florida Statute 948.04(4). That is a different issue with its own unique set of requirements. I cover that topic in a separate article and video.

The good news is that most people qualify to ask for early termination. The key is asking in the right way, to the right judge. If your case is in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard, or Volusia County, call my office. I have been navigating these motions in our local courtrooms since 1993.

If you’re done reading this article but you’d love more information, check out this video for a deeper dive into early termination: “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.