You Can Earn Your Way Off Probation in Virginia.

Find out if you’re eligible. Use Our New Tool.

A new law affecting people on probation in Virginia just went into effect on July 1, 2026. If you’ve stayed on track with your supervision for 12 months, you may be eligible for early termination.

Our free, anonymous tool walks you through the law’s criteria step by step.

Eligibility does not guarantee early termination. If you qualify, your probation officer must recommend you to the court, but a judge makes the final decision.

Your privacy is protected. Nothing you enter is saved, stored, or shared. REFORM Alliance does not keep or track your data. This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.

What the New Law Does

On July 1, 2026, major changes to Virginia’s probation system took effect. HB 149 / SB 136 was signed into law by Governor Spanberger, giving more than 53,000 Virginians on probation the opportunity to earn their way off supervision.

Here’s how it works: If you stay in compliance with your supervision terms, and follow your case plan, and are assessed as low risk after full 12 months, your probation officer must recommend you for early termination. A judge makes the final call, but if you’re doing the work and staying on track, the law is now on your side.

This landmark legislation is the result of years of work by directly impacted leaders, law enforcement, advocates, and the Virginia Safety Coalition to address longstanding challenges in the Commonwealth’s supervision system.

How to Earn a Recommendation for Early Termination

Your probation officer can help you understand where you stand. At your next check-in, you can ask:

  • “Am I currently assessed as low risk?”
  • “Am I on track with my case plan?”
  • “When would I reach 12 months of compliance under the new law?”
  • “What’s the process for the early termination recommendation?”

What Happens After You’re Recommended?

Early termination isn’t automatic. Here’s what to expect:

  1. Your probation officer submits a recommendation to the court after your 12 months of compliance.
  2. A judge reviews your case. Timelines vary by jurisdiction; this may take weeks or months depending on court schedules.
  3. The judge makes the final decision. If granted, your probation ends early. If not, you can continue building your record of compliance.

Find What You Need

→ I’m on probation (or supporting someone who is): use the eligibility tool above and speak directly to your probation officer.

→ I’m a probation officer or supervision professional: submit questions to our implementation team, and share what you’re seeing on the ground. Reach us at implementation@reformalliance.com.

→ I’m an attorney, advocate, or educator: contact our implementation team with interpretation questions.

Stay Updated as the Law Evolves

Court interpretations and department guidance will continue to evolve over time. Get updates as implementation unfolds.  

REFORM Alliance remains dedicated to supporting the effective implementation of this new law across Virginia. Questions or feedback? Reach us at implementation@reformalliance.com.