What’s the difference between probation and deferred adjudication?
Whether you’re on either probation or deferred adjudication, you’re doing the same kinds of things: reporting every month, doing community service, taking classes, etc. But legally, there are two main differences. The first difference (the good news) is that if you successfully complete deferred adjudication, your case will be dismissed and it’s not a conviction on your record. The second difference (the bad news) is that if you mess up your deferred adjudication and get it revoked, then the judge can sentence you to jail or prison anywhere in the possible range of punishment. With straight probation, you’ve got a conviction on your record, but if you get your probation revoked, the judge can’t give you more jail time than the amount of your original sentence.
