How to Get Early Termination of Probation in Florida | Orlando Attorney

By: John Guidry II

Have you been successfully complying with all the terms of your probation? If so, you may have earned the right to end it early and put this chapter of your life behind you for good.

My name is John Guidry, an Orlando defense attorney practicing since 1993. The process for early termination of probation is very specific, but it is absolutely achievable with the right strategy. Let’s walk through the steps to reclaim your freedom.

Ready to Get Off Probation Early in Orange, Seminole, or Osceola County? You’ve done the work. Let’s finish the job. Call me, John Guidry, to see if you qualify. Call Now: (407) 423-1117

Are You Eligible to End Probation Early?

Generally, to be considered for early termination in Florida, you must have:

• Completed at least half of your probationary period.
• Successfully finished all special conditions (e.g., classes, community service, counseling).
• Paid all restitution, fines, and court costs in full.
• Had no new arrests or pending probation violations.

If you meet these criteria, we can begin the formal process.

Our Step-by-Step Process for Early Termination

Navigating the early term process requires clearing several procedural hurdles in a specific order.

Step 1: Obtain Your Official Status from Probation The process cannot begin until we get a report from your probation officer (PO) confirming your status. This report shows the judge that you have completed all required conditions.

• Crucial Point: We do not need your PO’s permission or agreement to terminate your probation. We only need their factual report. It is common for probation departments to object to early termination as a matter of policy, especially for certain charges. Their objection does not stop us.

Step 2: Notify the State Attorney (Prosecutor) Next, we must get written input from the prosecutor’s office. This is a required step because the State Attorney is responsible for notifying any victims in the case, per “Marcy’s Law.”

• Crucial Point: Like with probation, the prosecutor will often object. Their objection is expected and does not prevent a judge from granting our motion.

Step 3: File the Official Motion with the Court Once we have the written input from both probation and the prosecution, we file a formal “Motion for Early Termination of Probation” with the judge assigned to your case.

The Final Step: How the Judge Makes a Decision

After the motion is filed, the process depends on your specific judge’s preference:

• A Formal Hearing: Some judges will schedule a hearing where we can argue the merits of your case in person.
• A Ruling “In Chambers”: Other judges prefer to review the motion and written documents privately and issue a ruling without a hearing. You are not automatically entitled to a hearing in this process.

Why Experience Matters When Seeking Early Termination

As you can see, both the probation office and the prosecutor can object to your request. This is where having an experienced local attorney is vital. I have successfully argued for and won early termination for countless clients, even over the state’s objections.

Knowing the specific procedures and preferences of the judges in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and throughout Central Florida is the key to navigating this process smoothly and effectively. You’ve held up your end of the bargain; let me help you convince the court to hold up theirs.

If you’re interested in early termination here in Central Florida, you should watch my YouTube video “4 Insider Tips for Early Termination of Probation” and “How to Get Off Probation Early“.

About 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.