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Criminal Law/probation termination

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Expert: - 6/2/2009


Question
i was arrested and put on probation for 5 years. ive been on probation for 4 months but want to get on with my life and get it expunged. since then, i enrolled in college and want to get married but i want to get off probation first... is it possible to petition for early termination and is there any possibility that i can get it approved??? thanx

Answer
Randy,

What most people don't understand is that there are fifty states and that the law in every state is different.  What might be true in MY state might not be true in YOUR state.

In MY state many misdemeanors are expunged from people's records but the defendant must take the inititative and start the process.  Sometimes the attorney who handled the original case helps and sometimes the person does it himself.  

I have no idea about the process in your state since I don't know where you live and even if I did it probably wouldn't help.  I'd suggest contacting the attorney who handled your case give years ago.  If he is not avilable then go to the courthouse where you were convicted and inquire about the process in your state and what you need to do.

You also asked about probation.  I am not a probation officer but have to you talked to your probation officer or whoever you report to?  I'd think that they would know how you would get off probation early.

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. Only a judge could answer a question like that. I am also NOT a probation officer or parole officer so I cannot answer questions that relate to parole or probation. Also please keep in mind that every state has different laws. If you are planning to ask a question about a specific law or criminal charge that pertains to your state only it could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or what not to do in court. Retired police officer with 26 years experience. Worked in the patrol division as well as over 14 years in the detective bureau. Investigated a wide range of crime such as murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, and other very sensitive crimes. I am available to answer your questions about criminal law and especially as it applies to police work. I taught at the police academy for several years and am especially knowledgeable about search and seizure. Any question about criminal law is welcome! Please don't ask me to do your homework or ask me questions that obviously come from your teachers or professors. I also do not do online interviews or surveys. Young people need to gain face to face interviewing skills. Local police officers usually are very agreeable to assist in these assignments.

Experience

I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience. I investigated almost every type of crime including murder, rape, theft, missing persons, fraud, and domestic abuse. I am very knowledgeable about search and seizure and taught at the police academy for several years on a variety of subjects. I can answer questions that a lot of attorneys cannot since they do not have "street experience".

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree in Criminolgy from the University of Maryland.

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