Tips for Early Termination of Probation in Florida: An Orlando Attorney’s Guide

By: John Guidry II

If you are on probation and doing well, you are likely wondering if you can end your sentence early. The answer is often yes, but success depends on more than just following the rules. It requires a smart, strategic approach.

Having handled these motions in Orlando courtrooms since 1993, I want to share some basics and a few key insights that can make or break your request for early termination.

Want to Get Off Probation Early in Central Florida? Success requires more than just filling out a form; it requires the right strategy for the right judge. Call my office to discuss your case. Call John Guidry: (407) 423-1117

The Essential Checklist: Do You Qualify for Early Termination?

Before we can even file a motion, you must have your ducks in a row.

• 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 completed, and you must be finished with any required counseling. For some, like those on sex offender probation, this can be a major hurdle as counseling can last for many years.
• Maintain a Violation-Free Record: If you have violated your probation in the past and were reinstated, your chances of getting terminated early are very slim. Most judges will not grant it.
• Check Your Plea Form for the “Three Bad Words”: Review the plea agreement you signed. If it contains the phrase “NO EARLY TERM,” it’s over. You agreed not to ask, and the judge will hold you to that agreement.

Beyond the Basics: Strategies for a Successful Motion

If you’ve checked all the boxes above, you’re in the game. But to win, you often need more than just the basics.

1. Know Your Judge (This is Non-Negotiable) This is the most important piece of advice I can give you. Judges are not robots; they have different philosophies. Some will grant early termination regularly, while others almost never will. For decades, the late Judge Conrad sat on the bench in our circuit and he would never grant an early termination. I can’t tell you how many times I cringed watching an out-of-town attorney who didn’t know that they wasted their client’s money on a motion that was doomed from the start. A local attorney’s knowledge of the judge’s tendencies is invaluable.

2. Tell a Compelling Story A motion that just says “I’ve done everything and I’m at the halfway point” may not be enough for some judges. You need to tell your story and answer the question “Why?”

• “Judge, I have a promotion waiting for me at work, but my company cannot offer it to me while I am on felony probation.”
• “Judge, I want to pursue a career that requires a professional license, but I cannot even apply to the program until this probation is terminated.” Judges are human. They often respond positively when they see that ending your probation will help you take the next positive step in your life.

A Note on Florida’s “Mandatory” ETP Law: This advice pertains to standard, discretionary motions for early termination. Florida now has a separate law with provisions for “mandatory” early termination if you meet a specific set of criteria. I have a separate article and video on that topic, which you should also review to see if you qualify.

The key to success is being prepared and strategic. If you have a case in Orange, Seminole, or Osceola County, call my office. Let’s talk about the best way to present your case to the court.

You don’t need to keep reading to keep learning! For more information on how early terminations of probation work in Central Florida, check out the video “Florida Probation Hacks: 4 Insider Tips for Early Termination.”

Author Bio: 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.