New Pennsylvania Law Allowing for Early Termination of Probation (Act 44)

Attorneys: Amato Sanita • Michael Kotik • William Weiss • William Burrows

Pennsylvania’s Act 44, which became fully effective on June 11, 2025, represents one of the most significant probation reforms the Commonwealth has ever implemented. The law establishes a clear, statewide system for reviewing probation and determining whether an individual has earned the right to early termination.

For decades, Pennsylvania had one of the highest numbers of people on probation in the nation. Long supervision terms, inconsistent review practices, and a lack of uniform procedures left many individuals stuck in probation for years—even when they had completed all of their requirements and demonstrated genuine progress. Act 44 was designed to change that.

SKA Law Group represents individuals throughout the state—including major counties such as Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Allegheny, York, Berks, and Lehigh—who are seeking early termination of probation under this new law.

How Act 44 Works in Pennsylvania

Act 44 creates a structured process that courts must follow to evaluate whether a person on probation should have their supervision modified, reduced, or terminated entirely.

Probation Review Conferences (PRCs)

The heart of the new law is the Probation Review Conference. Courts across the state are required to hold PRCs to evaluate an individual’s progress.

Participants in a PRC include:

• A judge

• A probation officer

• The individual on probation

• In some cases, the District Attorney

During the conference, the court reviews a Probation Status Report, which summarizes compliance, rehabilitation, educational progress, employment, and any completed programs.

The Probation Status Report Process

After the status report is generated:

• The individual and the District Attorney each have 30 days to accept or object.

• If neither side objects, the judge automatically adopts the recommendation.

• If an objection is filed, the court must schedule a formal hearing, where evidence and arguments can be presented.

This prevents people from being kept on probation longer than necessary due to administrative delays or inconsistent county practices.

Eligibility for Early Termination Under Act 44

Eligibility is determined by when the original sentence was imposed.

For Sentences Imposed AFTER June 11, 2024:

The individual becomes eligible at:

• Halfway through the probation term,
  OR

• 2 years for misdemeanors,
  OR

• 4 years for felonies,
  whichever comes first.

For Sentences Imposed BEFORE June 11, 2024:

Eligibility begins at:

• 2 years for misdemeanors,

• 4 years for felonies,
  OR

• June 11, 2025,
  whichever is later.

These standards apply uniformly across all Pennsylvania counties, ensuring fairness regardless of where a person was sentenced.

Earning Earlier Eligibility Under Act 44

In addition to time-based eligibility, Act 44 allows individuals to qualify sooner if they demonstrate meaningful progress. This includes:

Education

• GED completion

• High school diploma

• College or trade school completion

Employment & Skills

• Vocational certifications

• Job-readiness or workforce programs

Rehabilitation Factors

• Consistent compliance with probation

• No new arrests

• Stable housing and employment

• Completion of court-ordered programs

• Demonstrated personal growth

Act 44 rewards individuals who take steps to rebuild their lives and reduces unnecessary supervision for those who do not pose a risk to public safety.

Who Is NOT Eligible Under Act 44?

Certain categories of offenses remain excluded from early termination. Individuals convicted of the following generally do not qualify:

• Violent offenses listed under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9714(g)

• Crimes requiring sex-offender registration

• Stalking-related offenses

• Specific domestic-violence crimes

• Cases with unpaid restitution

• Cases where required programs remain incomplete

These exclusions reflect the Legislature’s intent to balance rehabilitation opportunities with public safety concerns.

Why Act 44 Matters for People Across Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s probation system has long been criticized for:

• Excessively long supervision terms

• High caseloads for probation officers

• Limited opportunities for early release

• Significant differences between counties

• Barriers to employment, licensing, and travel

Act 44 aims to fix these issues by:

• Creating consistent statewide standards

• Reducing supervision for people who have demonstrated rehabilitation

• Allowing probation officers to prioritize high-risk individuals

• Helping individuals reintegrate into society sooner

• Lowering the chance of technical violations and re-incarceration

For thousands of Pennsylvanians, Act 44 provides a meaningful path to rebuilding their lives sooner.

How SKA Law Group Helps With Act 44 Appeals and Reviews

Our representation includes:

• Reviewing eligibility under Act 44

• Preparing for Probation Review Conferences

• Challenging negative Probation Status Reports

• Presenting evidence of rehabilitation

• Advocating for early termination at formal hearings

• Advising clients on steps they can take to strengthen their case

Because Act 44 is new, many probation departments and courts are still adjusting. Having an attorney who understands the law and knows how to navigate county-level differences is critical.