Can I Get My Probation Shortened or Terminated Early in California?
If you’re on probation in California and wondering whether it’s possible to end it early or change the terms—like a no-contact order—you’re not alone. Many people complete the hardest parts of their probation (jail time, fines, counseling) and wonder: Do I really have to stay on probation for the full term?
The answer is: not necessarily. California law allows courts to terminate probation early or modify its terms—including protective orders—in the interest of justice. Based on Penal Code § 1203.3, an attorney can help you petition for early termination of probation or change or modify terms, even in domestic violence cases.
What Is Penal Code § 1203.3?
Under Penal Code section 1203.3, a California court may:
Terminate probation early;
Modify probation conditions;
Terminate or adjust protective orders that were imposed as part of a domestic violence sentence.
The standard is simple: if the court finds that “the ends of justice” are served, and that the defendant has shown “good conduct and reform,” then early termination or modification is legally allowed.
“A trial court’s authority to terminate probation early is substantively circumscribed only by its evaluation of whether ‘the ends of justice’ are served and whether the ‘good conduct and reform’ of the probationer justifies such termination.”
— People v. Nakano (2023) 89 Cal.App.5th 623, 630
How Soon Can I Ask for Early Termination of Probation?
You don’t need to wait until your probation is nearly over. Courts have discretion to terminate probation at any point during the term. That said, judges will typically look at:
How much of your sentence you've completed (e.g., halfway or two-thirds);
Whether you’ve followed all court orders (e.g., completed jail, paid fines, attended counseling);
Whether you’ve stayed out of trouble during probation;
Your contributions to your family or community.
Of course, the farther along you are in probation the better because the Court will generally look for persuasive reasons to terminate your probation. For example, you may be looking to move or change jogs. It is generally best if you have completed every term capable of completion (community service, jail, fines, and restitution for example). If it is a domestic violence case you will also want to have completed the required 52-week class.
Can I Modify a Protective Order—Like a No-Contact Condition?
Yes. In domestic violence cases, courts can impose protective orders as a condition of probation under Penal Code § 1203.097. But under Penal Code § 1203.3(b)(6), those orders can be changed or terminated when circumstances warrant.
In deciding whether to lift or reduce a protective order (like changing from “no contact” to “no harassing”), the court may consider:
Whether you’ve taken responsibility for the conduct;
Whether you’ve completed counseling;
Your track record on probation;
The impact on children;
Whether the victim wants the order modified;
Whether justice would be served by modifying the order.
What If I’m on Domestic Violence Probation? Can I Still Get Off Early?
Yes. Even if you’re on probation for a domestic violence conviction, you’re still eligible to ask for early termination.
Some courts used to believe that Penal Code § 1203.097, which requires 36 months of probation, prevented early termination. But in People v. Killion (2018) 24 Cal.App.5th 337, the Court of Appeal held that Penal Code § 1203.3 still gives judges discretion to end probation early if justice supports it.
“[Section 1203.097] did not intend to circumscribe the court’s discretion to later reduce that term pursuant to section 1203.3 upon a showing of good cause.”
— Killion, at p. 341
What Do I Need to Show the Court?
To succeed in a motion to modify or shorten probation, it helps to submit:
Proof of completed terms (e.g., program certificates, payment receipts);
Letters of support from community members, employers, or family;
Evidence of stability, such as employment, parenting, or sobriety;
Your attorney’s declaration and argument outlining why continued probation is no longer necessary.
At Couzens Criminal Defense, we tailor each motion to your unique history, achievements, and goals. We often include documentation of counseling progress, character statements, and legal authority showing the court’s discretion.
Serving Roseville, Placer County, and Greater Sacramento
At Couzens Criminal Defense, we help clients in Placer, Sacramento and surrounding counties file motions for:
Early termination of probation
Modification of domestic violence protective orders
Reduction of felony charges to misdemeanors under Penal Code § 17(b)
Expungement and record clearance after probation ends
📞 Call us at (916) 603-2000 if you’re ready to take the next step. Whether you’re looking to regain parental rights, reduce restrictions, or simply move forward with your life, we’re here to help.
