How are parole and probation different?
Parole is the conditional release of a prisoner who has served part of a sentence. The parolee is remanded to the legal custody of the parole authority and remains under its control for an established length of time. Probation is offered as an alternative to incarceration. Probation can replace all or part of a prison sentence, and includes specific conditions that must be met by the subject to maintain his or her freedom.
