Pinellas Circuit Court Judge Frank Quesada has been administratively assigned the task of hearing all motions for early termination of probation in felony cases. Despite which courtroom division, or judge originally sentenced the defendant, Quesada is now charged with the duty of hearing these requests.
That's good good news. Quesada has a reputation for listening to all sides of an argument and for being very fair. He is also known to regularly grant these requests if the individual has completed at least half of his probationary term, complied with all probation conditions (including the payment of all fines, restitution and costs of supervision) and not been arrested or charged with any new offenses since the date he was originally placed on probation. Prevailing on a motion for early termination of probation will end supervision and associated reporting obligations. Most importantly, it eliminates the threat of a future "violation of probation" proceeding that could subject the defendant to incarceration.
Typically, Quesada asks the Department of Corrections representative in the courtroom to rate the Defendant's probation performance thus far. It is therefore important for probationers to continue to maintain a good relationship with his or her probation officer.
Keep in mind that it is not the job of the probation officer to schedule a hearing, file a written motion for early termination of probation with the court, or to make argument on the client's behalf. The cost of having a criminal defense attorney handle these types of matters is minimal, while the benefits can not be overstated. Click Here to learn more about this remedy.
Click here to learn possible solutions to your Pinellas County Criminal or DUI charge.
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