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Probation and Supervised Release

If given the choice, most every person sentenced for a criminal offense would prefer to be able to remain living in a community than having to spend time in a jail or prison. With certain crimes, judges may opt to have offenders remain accountable to the court system without forcing them to be incarcerated.

Probation and supervised release help avoid overcrowding in state or federal facilities while ensuring that offenders are under a form of community supervision. Rehabilitation is typically the ultimate goal of any supervisory sentence, but offenders can easily face jail or prison sentences for any failure to comply with the terms of their supervised release or probation.

Lawyer for Supervised Release and Probation in Pensacola, FL

Have you been accused of violating the terms of your supervised release or are you seeking to have your probation terminated early? Terrezza Law can fight for your early release or prevent you from having to return to prison.

Pensacola criminal defense attorney John Terrezza helps clients in Escambia County and Santa Rosa County at every stage of the criminal justice process. He can review your case and explain all of your legal options as soon as you call (850) 764-5291 to schedule a free consultation.

Escambia County Probation Information Center

• What is the difference between probation and supervised release?
• Is there any way for probation or supervised release to be ended early?
• Where can I find additional information about probation and supervised release programs?

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Probation vs. Supervised Release in Florida

Probation, parole, and supervised release are used interchangeably by many people, but each of these terms actually has distinctive meanings under state and federal law. The most significant difference between probation and supervised release is that probation is typically an alternative to incarceration while supervised release is a sentence in addition to incarceration.

Probation typically applies to state charges and supervised release applies to federal cases. Certain types of conduct can be considered a violation of probation or supervised release includes, but is not limited to:

• Failure to appear for court dates;
• Failure to report to a probation officer;
• Failing a drug or alcohol test;
• Failure to pay court-ordered fines and/or restitution;
• Associating with people or visiting places prohibited by the court; and
• Leaving the state without notification.

Any new criminal offenses are also considered violations of supervised release or probation. Violations of supervised release are also classified as Grade A, Grade B, or Grade C violations that may be punishable by as much as 20 years in prison.

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Modification or Early Termination of Probation in Pensacola

If offenders have served half of their probationary sentences and completed all court-ordered requirements, they may be able to file for early termination of their probation. While most anyone can file a motion to terminate probation in Florida, judges are never under any obligation to grant such requests.

If people are unable to successfully terminate their probation early, they may still be able to have the terms of probation modified. Modifications may include:

• Less frequent meetings with probation officers;
• Elimination of “no contact” provisions;
• Elimination of travel restrictions;
• Elimination of curfews; and/or
• Reduced treatment program attendance.

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Florida Supervised Release Resources

Florida Department of Corrections Adult Community Supervision | Pensacola Circuit Office — Pensacola is in Region 1 of the Florida Department of Corrections. The Pensacola office serves Escambia County as well as Okaloosa County, Santa Rosa County, and Walton County. On this website, you can find general information about the office, additional office locations, and community based sanctions and programs.

ReEntry Alliance of Pensacola, Inc. (REAP) — REAP is a 501 (3)(c) nonprofit organization that helps “formerly incarcerated individuals overcome the many barriers that prevent successful integration into the community.” On this website, you can learn more about some of the services REAP provides, including assistance with obtaining housing, employment, and education. The Community Garden in the Brownsville area is used as a site for former inmates and volunteer mentors to spend time together and develop relationships while helping ex-offenders develop the skills necessary to become “productive, self-supporting citizens.”

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Find a Lawyer for Probation and Supervised Release in Pensacola, Florida

If you are seeking modification to or you have been accused of violating the terms of your probation or supervised release, it will be in your best interest to have legal counsel. Terrezza Law represents people on probation throughout the Pensacola area, including Navarre, Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze, Milton, and many other communities.

John Terrezza is a criminal defense attorney in Pensacola who fights to get the most favorable outcome for every client he represents. Call (850) 764-5291 or fill out an online contact form to have our lawyer review your case during a free, confidential consultation.

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