Barb, with love in my heart I have to tell you that your son would be smart to take a lawyer with him.
You can guess what might happen and project what you think the judge may or may not do, but a lawyer will know your son's rights and protect them and he'll also know the best way to present your son's continued efforts at rebuilding his life.
Don't try to do this yourself, I'm afraid it will backfire.
Hugs