PDA

View Full Version : Probation termination


mamk11
Jul 30, 2008, 05:39 PM
What are some good reasons to ask for termination of probation?

JimGunther
Jul 30, 2008, 06:19 PM
I was a probation officer in Maryland for 7 years and have found that the reasons for early termination are most often approved by the judge that placed a person on probation are those that indicate that a person's life has or is expected to change in such a way that the burdens of complying with probation outweigh the usefullness of the probation itself.

In other words, when a judge places a person on probation that has a fixed expiration date, he does so based upon the factors he sees at that time. When he realizes that these conditions have changed for the better, he might consider changing the expiration date.

I can tell you from my experience that, first of all, judges seldom reduce the term of probation. Secondly, the most common reason I saw for early termination was entering the military. Judges seem to value this decision on the part of the probationer to go into the military and will cooperate to some degree so that can do so. I have also seen probation reduced due to medical problems, family crises, and entry into certain professions (such as EMT) that require special training or intense preparation. I know this is not what you are looking for, but I have also seen probation terminated early because the person was convicted of a new offense and the judge imposed the original jail term in place of the probation.

It is absolutely necessary that all conditions of probation be complied with and if there are things to be done, such as community service, pay restitution and/or fines or fees, all these things must be completed.

I hope you also understand that it is not up to the probation officer to decide if your probation can be terminated early (unless this is specified in the probation order) because only the judge, the person who issued the probation order, can change it in any way. If the PO says they are not willing to request early termination of your probation, and you feel you might be entitled to it, write the judge yourself. Their info is on the probation order.

Fr_Chuck
Jul 30, 2008, 06:44 PM
You added in another duplicate posts, that you wanted this to get a job.

I will be honest if you don't have a job, I doubt they will let you off probation, and being on probatoin does not change the conviction on your record.