Terminate Probation Early
Terminate Probation Early in Arizona ARS 13-901
Arizona judges can end probation before its full term under A.R.S. § 13-901, and subsection E is where that discretion lives. Ending early does more than stop check-ins and fees. It starts the clock on record removal applications that require a completed sentence, including set asides and record sealing, so the sooner probation ends, the sooner you can clear your record.
Minimum Required Information:
- Court Name:
- Case Number:
- Charges:
- Month/Day/Year of Crime:
- Anything Else We Should Know About Your Life:
- Full Legal Name:
- Date of Birth:
- Phone Number:
- Email:
- Mailing Address:
The law firm handles the rest of the motions and court appearances.
Legal Benefits:
- Saves the monthly probation fee, about $65 a month. End a three-year term at month 18 and the savings can roughly cover the cost of hiring us to get you off in the first place.
- Removes probation-violation exposure. While on probation, even a false accusation of a new crime can send you back to jail or prison on a violation and adds mandatory extra punishment for an offense committed on probation. Ending early takes that risk off the table.
- Starts the sealing clock and qualifies you for a set aside, both of which need a completed sentence (see our Sealing Records and Set Aside pages)
- Best paired with a designation to misdemeanor on undesignated class 6 felonies, so you cut the charge and shorten the sealing wait at the same time (see our Designate to Misdemeanor page)
- Ends supervision and probation travel and work restrictions
Eligible:
- Currently on probation in good standing
- About half the term completed, the consistent benchmark our felony judges look for even though the statute sets no fixed percentage
- Restitution and fines paid or on track
- No recent violations
Approval Process:
- Motion filed with the sentencing court under § 13-901(E); the judge has discretion and often weighs the probation officer’s input
- Reviewed for accuracy and commonly filed within 30 days of hiring the firm
- Decision timelines vary by court
Legal Factors:
- Nature and circumstances of the offense
- Completion of probation without issues
- Prior criminal history and/or new cases
- Victim input
- Length of time that has passed since completion of sentence
- Age of defendant at the time of the offense
- Any other relevant helpful information (mitigation)
Limitations:
- Does not seal or erase the record (see our Sealing Records page)
- Does not by itself reduce a felony; pair with a designation for that (see our Designate to Misdemeanor page)
- No effect on driving records or insurance
- The judge has full discretion under § 13-901(E) and can deny early termination
Not Eligible Cases:
- Active probation violations or new charges
- Mandatory minimum probation terms not yet met
- Cases where restitution remains unpaid
Early Termination of Probation Attorney
Ending probation early under A.R.S. § 13-901(E) is a discretionary decision, so the application has to show the judge your compliance, your restitution status, and that supervision no longer serves a purpose. Our felony judges consistently look for about half the term completed, even though the statute names no fixed percentage.
The payoff is real. You stop paying the monthly fee, you remove the risk that a new accusation sends you back on a violation, and you start the clock on the set aside and record sealing that require a completed sentence.
If you are ready to get off probation early, call 602-900-7625 or send us a message to get started at AZ Record Removal today.