How does parole differ from probation?
Parole and probation are two separate things. Parole occurs when a prisoner is released from prison after having served either a portion or all of his or her sentence. Probation is an alternative to incarceration. A criminal who receives probation as a sentence will be able to remain a member of his or her community, without serving time in jail or prison, so long as he or she complies with the conditions set by the court. The conditions can include counseling or treatment, participating in community education or performing community service. If any conditions are not met, probation can be revoked, and the remainder of the sentence is served in jail or prison.
Parole and probation are two totally separate things. Parole occurs when a prisoner is released from prison after having served either a portion or all of a sentence. Probation is an alternative to initial incarceration. Criminals who receive probation as a sentence will be able to remain members of their community, without seeing the inside of a jail or prison, so long as they follow rules set by the court. These rules may require them to seek counseling or treatment, participate in community education or perform community service. They will also be required to attend regular meetings with their parole officer. If they break any of these rules, their probation can be revoked, and they can be sent to prison.
