What is parole vs probation?

Parole and probation are both forms of supervision for individuals who have been convicted of a crime, allowing them to serve their sentence in the community rather than in jail or prison. However, there are some key differences between the two:

1. Probation is typically granted as part of a sentence and involves a set of conditions that the individual must adhere to, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, drug testing, and community service. Parole, on the other hand, is granted only after an individual has served a portion of their sentence in prison and involves similar conditions, but with more freedom since the individual has already served time.

2. Probation is often used as an alternative to incarceration for less serious offenses, while parole is typically granted for more serious offenses and after an individual has already spent time in prison.

3. Violating the terms of probation can result in consequences such as additional probation requirements, being sent to jail, or having the probation revoked and being sent to prison. Violating the terms of parole can result in being sent back to prison to serve the remainder of the sentence.

In summary, while both probation and parole involve supervision in the community, they are granted under different circumstances and have different consequences for violations.