You are eligible to request early termination from probation or supervised release under the following circumstances:

• After you have completed at least one year of supervision;
• After you have completed one half of your term of supervision, you can request early termination through your U.S. Probation Officer;
• Please contact your probation officer for instructions on how to request early termination. 

If you have been convicted of a serious felony and/or have a history of violence, your case will not be considered for early termination.

The U.S. Probation Office is restricted from disclosing information to the public. However, most convictions are generally available in public records. These records are maintained by the U.S. District Court Clerk.

The District of Minnesota is comprised of the whole state of Minnesota. Travel throughout the state of Minnesota is permitted. However, all travel outside of the District of Minnesota needs to be preapproved by the Court or the U.S. Probation Officer. Failure to get permission to travel outside the state may result in violation of your supervision.  

Federal convictions cannot be expunged. However, you may apply for a Presidential Pardon. Any person convicted of a felony in Federal court is eligible to file a petition for a Presidential Pardon under the following circumstances, although some exceptions may apply:

• The individual is no longer serving the sentence and is not under parole, probation, or supervised release;
• Five years have passed since release from confinement or if confinement was not imposed, five years from the date of conviction; and
• A waiting period of seven years is required for more serious offenses, including violations of narcotic laws, income tax laws, perjury, violation of public trust involving dishonesty, violent crimes, gun control laws, fraud involving substantial sums of money, violations involving organized crime, and other crimes of a serious nature.

It is strongly recommended that you consult with an attorney to assist you with the process. Pardon applications may be obtained by making a written request to the Office of the Pardon Attorney, at the following address:

Office of the Pardon Attorney United States Department of Justice 1425 New York Ave NW, Suite 11000, Washington, DC 20530.

See our Office Locations.

Supervision in the federal system is:

• A core responsibility of U.S. probation and pretrial services officers, along with investigation.
• A way to monitor the activities and behavior of people released to the community by the federal courts or paroling authorities.
• An opportunity to help offenders reintegrate into the community following a period of incarceration.
• In the case of probation, a punishment that is less severe than imprisonment, but still holds people accountable for breaking the law.
• An alternative to jail or prison that costs less than incarceration and gives people charged with or convicted of federal crimes the opportunity to live with their families, hold jobs, and be productive members of society.

Read more about supervision.

An individual convicted of a felony offense is prohibited from possessing a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), but is not prohibited from hunting consistent with state regulations.

Probation/supervised release conditions typically prohibit the possession of a dangerous weapon. Therefore, hunting with bows and/or black powder is generally not permitted.

You may request a certified copy of a document by contacting the clerk’s office. Contact information for the clerk is found on the Contact Us page.

The U.S. Probation Office is not authorized to release information regarding payments received and distributed by criminal defendants. Please contact the U.S. District Court Clerk for information if you believe you are owed court-ordered restitution.

Guided by constitutional principles such as the presumption of innocence and right against excessive bail, pretrial services is committed to maintaining the balance between personal liberty and community safety.  Officers work to facilitate the judicial process, protect the public, and reduce unnecessary detention.  Pretrial services is the front door to the federal criminal justice system and has a unique opportunity to lay the foundation for each defendant's success,  not only during the period of pretrial supervision, but beyond.  Officers strive to work with each defendant in such a manner to lay the foundation for success so this contact will be the defendant's last, thereby helping prevent the front door from becoming a revolving door.  The manner in which an officer interacts with defendants and others can influence perceptions of the federal court, regardless of outcome.  Officers set a tone for what a defendant may expect from the system by acting with integrity and respect, providing clear expectations, and responding appropriately to the struggles and needs of the defendant. 

While there is input on this decision from U.S. Pretrial Services, the prosecutor and defense counsel, the U.S. Magistrate Judge is ultimately responsible for determining whether a defendant should be released or detained.  The bond investigation and report completed by U.S. Pretrial Services is an integral part of this process since it provides the Judge a great deal of information about the defendant's background and risks to be considered in the release/detention decision.  

The conditions imposed can vary widely and are uniquely fashioned to address the background of the defendant and the risks presented.  Common conditions include pretrial supervision and reporting requirements; a requirement a defendant reside in a particular location, including a halfway house; assignment of a third party custodian (someone legally responsible for helping ensure compliance); location monitoring (electronic monitoring, e.g. GPS); drug testing/assessment/treatment; mental health assessment/treatment; employment requirements or restrictions; travel restrictions; reporting contact with law enforcement; and restrictions from possessing firearms or other dangerous weapons.