Pennsylvania’s Act 44, fully effective as of June 11, 2025, is one of the most important criminal justice reforms in state history. The law creates a uniform statewide system that allows people to earn early termination of probation—something that was previously inconsistent and extremely difficult to obtain, especially in cities like Philadelphia.

For years, probation in Pennsylvania—particularly in Philadelphia—was known for being long, complicated, and burdensome. Many individuals spent years on probation with little clarity about when they could move on. Act 44 was designed to fix this problem by creating a structured review process and providing clear eligibility standards.

SKA Law Group helps individuals throughout Philadelphia, including North Philly, South Philly, West Philly, Northeast Philadelphia, Center City, Germantown, and the surrounding counties, navigate the Act 44 early-termination process.

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How Act 44 Works in Pennsylvania

Act 44 introduces a standardized procedure called a Probation Review Conference (PRC). This conference gives individuals a formal opportunity to have their probation reviewed and possibly shortened or terminated.

What Happens at a Probation Review Conference (PRC)?

During a PRC, the following parties participate:

• A judge
• A probation officer
• The individual on probation
• In some cases, the District Attorney

Together, they evaluate a Probation Status Report, which outlines the person’s progress, compliance, and rehabilitation.

After the report is issued:

• Both the individual and the District Attorney have 30 days to accept or object.
• If neither party objects, the judge automatically adopts the recommendation.
• If there is an objection, the court schedules a formal hearing.

This process is the same across Pennsylvania, including the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

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Act 44 Eligibility Standards

If the sentence was imposed AFTER June 11, 2024:

A person becomes eligible for termination at:

• The halfway point of their probation
  OR
• 2 years for a misdemeanor
  OR
• 4 years for a felony

Whichever occurs first.

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If the sentence was imposed BEFORE June 11, 2024:

Eligibility begins:

• At 2 years (misdemeanor)
• At 4 years (felony)
  OR
• Starting June 11, 2025
  Whichever is later.

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Ways to Qualify for Early Termination Even Faster

Act 44 rewards individuals who take meaningful steps toward rehabilitation. Someone may qualify earlier if they complete:

Education Milestones

• GED
• High school diploma
• College degree

Career & Skill Development

• Vocational or trade programs
• Job-readiness or professional training

Stability & Compliance

• Staying arrest-free
• Passing drug tests
• Regular reporting
• Complying with all probation conditions

The goal of Act 44 is to recognize individuals who have shown real progress and are ready to rebuild their lives.

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Who Is NOT Eligible for Early Termination Under Act 44?

The law excludes individuals convicted of:

• Violent offenses under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9714(g)
• Sex-offender-registration crimes
• Stalking offenses
• Certain domestic-violence offenses
• Cases involving unpaid restitution
• Cases where court-ordered programs are incomplete

These restrictions apply in all Pennsylvania counties, including Philadelphia.

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Why Act 44 Matters for Philadelphia Residents

Philadelphia has one of the largest probation populations in the country. Historically, individuals in the city often remained on probation far longer than necessary due to:

• Overcrowded courts
• Administrative delays
• Inconsistent review practices
• Limited communication from probation departments

Act 44 is designed to correct these problems by:

• Shortening excessively long probation terms
• Reducing unnecessary supervision
• Rewarding education and rehabilitation
• Allowing probation officers to focus on high-risk individuals
• Giving people a meaningful path to early freedom

For many Philadelphia residents, Act 44 represents the first real opportunity to move forward.

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How SKA Law Group Helps With Act 44 Cases in Philadelphia

Our attorneys—Amato Sanita, Michael Kotik, William Weiss, and William Burrows—represent individuals throughout Philadelphia County in all stages of the Act 44 process.

We help clients with:

• Determining eligibility under the law
• Preparing for the Probation Review Conference
• Gathering documentation of education, employment, and rehabilitation
• Challenging negative status reports
• Representing clients at formal hearings
• Presenting strong arguments for early termination

We know Philadelphia’s courts, judges, and probation departments—and we know how to present your case effectively.