What’s the difference between Probation and Parole?
Probation is a decision handed down by the judge at trial. It may be in lieu of county jail time or in combination with some jail time. It allows the convicted person to live in the community for a specified period of time under the supervision of a county probation officer. Depending on the circumstances and the seriousness of the crime, the judge can specify restrictions on the offender’s activities during the probationary period. The Judge can also require the offender to attend treatment and counseling. Probation is used for sentencing in both misdemeanors and felony cases. If an offender violates the conditions or rules of probation, he or she may be sentenced to jail and/or additional punishments by the judge. Parole is the early release of an inmate who has served part of his or her sentence in a State prison. The inmate is allowed to return to the community under the conditions of parole and the supervision of a state or federal parole agent. Violation of these conditions can r
