Probation: Getting Some Relief
You’ve been doing well on probation. You’ve met religiously with your probation officer. You’ve been completing all the classes and other conditions the judge ordered. You should consider asking the judge for a break as a reward for your hard work. You’ve got two basic options: ask to terminate probation early or ask to modify your probation conditions. Either way Dallas probation modification lawyer Mike Howard can help you.
Early Termination of Probation in Dallas
First, are you eligible for early termination of probation? When you are on “straight probation” to request early release, you must complete at least one-third or 2 years of your probation period, whichever is less. See Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 42A.701. When you are on deferred probation, however, you can request early termination of probation at any time. The judge can dismiss the proceedings and discharge you from probation whenever the judge is convinced it’s in the best interest of society and you to do so. See Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 42A.111. It’s important to note, however, that the judge cannot dismiss and discharge a defendant required to register as a sex offender.
Importantly, it’s usually a good idea to wait until you’ve completed at least a third if not half your probation and at least most of your conditions. A knowledgeable Dallas probation termination lawyer can help you figure out the best time to request early termination. Dallas probation lawyer Mike Howard knows the judges and the prosecutors. He uses his knowledge of the courts and his personal relationships to get his clients great outcomes every day.
Probation Modification
In some situations, early termination isn’t likely or even what you’re looking for. However, getting some of your conditions relaxed can make a big difference. Often, if a person shows that they can be trusted by doing well a Dallas probation lawyer may be able to convince the judge to remove or lessen conditions. This can save you money, time, and hassle.
Some common modification requests include:
- Removing fees/fines/community service hours.
- Removing an expensive monitoring device.
- Getting travel requests approved.
- Removing internet/device restrictions.
- Unsupervised visitation to children, etc.
Choosing the Right Dallas Probation Lawyer
Searching for probation modification lawyers in Dallas can be overwhelming. Many times you’re searching for someone new because you weren’t happy with the experience you had with your previous lawyer. You deserve to be comfortable with your lawyer and feel that you can trust the information and advice they give you. Lawyers are supposed to always work in their clients’ best interests and to reduce their clients’ anxiety and burden, not increase it.
First, talk to several lawyers to get a feel for them and their staff. Do they take the time necessary to get to know you, to listen to what’s important to you, and answer your questions? Second, do they show you that you matter to them as a person and not just as a fee? Third, beware of lawyers who put the hard sell on you, who make big promises. No lawyer should ever make a guarantee about a case. Finally, absolutely avoid a lawyer who doesn’t communicate the scope of the work and their fee clearly in a written contract.
What Makes Mike Howard Different
Many attorneys take advantage of their clients’ ignorance of the criminal justice process. We take the opposite approach. A knowledgeable client is a happy client. Therefore, we provide a wealth of information in the way of articles about criminal offenses, blog posts, and videos for free on our website.
Visit Our YouTube Channel for informational videos and client testimonials.
Visit Our blog for posts on cases, defenses, and criminal law information.
Dallas Probation Termination Lawyer Mike Howard
The Law Office of Mike Howard is your resource for all issues involving probation. Whether you’re trying to modify your probation or get off probation early we can help you. Most importantly, Dallas probation lawyer Mike Howard and his team have the experience, skill, and dedication that you need when the stakes are high. We work as a team to do everything we can to fight for you. Moreover, Mr. Howard will give you an honest assessment of your case and explain the law and your legal options.
A Different Kind of Lawyer
We approach our clients differently than a lot of lawyers. Above all, we believe that being a great lawyer is more than getting you a great result. First, our office is centered around you. This means we start by truly listening to you to understand your case and your goals.
Further, our team works to provide you a client experience that is as easy and stress-free as possible. Answering your questions and keeping you informed is very important to us. Most importantly, we treat you as a person, not a number. Finally, our goal is to achieve the best possible result for you. If you’re looking for a different kind of lawyer you’ve come to the right place.
Our Case Process
Listen & Understand
We focus on clients as real people. First, we list to understand who you are and what you need. Then we make sure we fully understand the facts of the case.
Open Communication
We explain the law, your rights, and the legal process. Because communication is very important to us, we strive to quickly answer questions and return communication.
Fight for Justice
Simply put: we fight hard for you. In the courtroom, in negotiations, and before a case even is officially opened, we fight for justice for you.
A Proven Track Record
Dallas Probation Violation Lawyer
E.L. – DWI 2nd in 2 Different Counties
Our client was on probation in two different counties and the courts were each requiring different things of her. We coordinated between them and got both courts to remove the much more expensive SCRAM monitoring device and swap it out for the much more affordable interlock device.
P.J. – Improper Relationship Between Educator & Student
Our client’s probation officer and treatment provider had not treated her fairly from the beginning. Before she came to me, they had already tried to get her probation revoked once and were restricting her so much she could hardly be a mother to her own children. We got her conditions relaxed and got the judge to allow her to change treatment providers to a provider of her own choosing.
D.V. – Unlawful Restraint
Our client finished all his conditions early. His probation officer still refused to approve his request to get released from probation early. We convinced the judge to release him early.
D.C. – Aggravated Assault
Out client had gotten probation (with another lawyer) but the judge imposed a condition that he report every year to do 2 weeks in jail and pay thousands of dollars in fines. He’d done this for years with no problems and had been a model probationer. We got the probation officer, prosecutor, and most importantly the judge to agree to remove the yearly 2 weeks in jail.
