EARLY TERMINATION OF PROBATION

Through our direct service work, GJP saw firsthand the negative impact that lengthy probation sentences had on our clients and their families.

Georgia has the highest rate of correctional control in the U.S.—with 1 in every 18 Georgians on probation or parole.

Because Georgia does not cap probation, sentences are nearly three times longer than all other states, which results in 10+ year sentences for over 40% of Georgians on probation.

Through our direct service work, GJP saw firsthand the negative impact that lengthy probation sentences had on our clients and their families. GJP set out to reform Georgia’s probation laws, and helped to pass SB 105 in 2021.

SB 105, Georgia’s new probation law, went into effect immediately and created a pathway for Georgians on felony probation to have their sentence terminated after three years if certain milestones are met. As of its signing, 48,000 Georgians were immediately eligible for early termination, saving Georgia over $34 million a year in supervision costs. 

Are you on felony probation? Have you served at least 3 years of your probation sentence?

If so, you may be eligible for early termination of your probation!

Do you meet the following criteria?

  1. No new arrests (besides non-serious traffic offenses)
  2. No probation revocation in the past 24 months
  3. Paid all restitution

You may be able to terminate your probation early even if you still owe fines and fees, but restitution must be paid.

*If you have served at least 3 years of your felony probation sentence and meet the above criteria, you are eligible for early termination of your probation sentence!

If you meet the criteria above, here’s what to expect:

  • Your probation officer will be notified of your eligibility and, depending on your sentence, may submit an order to terminate your probation.
  • The Court must grant the order to terminate your probation unless the prosecutor or the Judge requests a hearing within 30 days.
  • If a hearing is requested, it will be scheduled within 90 days.
    • At the hearing, you will be able to present to the Judge why you should no longer be on probation.
  • If a hearing is requested by the prosecutor or the Judge, it will still be the Judge’s decision whether to terminate your probation early.

What should you do if you are eligible for early termination?

Georgia Justice Project (GJP) may be able to help you.

GJP has provided holistic legal representation to individuals facing criminal charges in metro Atlanta for 35 years. We have recently added a program to assist with probation issues for people who cannot afford an attorney.

Reach out to GJP if:

  • Your order to terminate was submitted and you are now scheduled for a hearing.
  • You believe you are eligible for early termination and you contacted your probation officer, but your probation officer is not submitting an order to terminate on your behalf.
  • Your probation officer submitted an order to terminate but it has been 30 days, the Court has not granted your order to terminate, and you have not been scheduled for a hearing.

For more information:

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