EARLY TERMINATION OF PROBATION

Georgia’s new probation law went into effect in 2021 and created a pathway for Georgians on felony probation to have their sentence terminated after three years if certain milestones are met. Learn more about how you can self-advocate for early termination below.

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.

And remember, if you terminate probation to complete your sentence, you can vote. You can also vote even if still serving a Felony Offender Act or Conditional Discharge sentence, as long as your status isn’t revoked. See GJP.org/voting for more information.

What should I do if I think I am eligible for early termination?

  • Contact your probation officer or the probation office in the county where you were sentenced, and request early termination if you meet the criteria above (see below for specific questions to ask). Find your office here. 
  • If you are still experiencing issues requesting early termination, reach out to DCS directly at early.termination@dcs.ga.gov. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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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Georgia Justice Project
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