Probation vs. Parole: What’s The Difference?

Published July 18, 2021

When someone gets into legal problems and violates the law, they may suffer various penalties, depending on the nature and severity of their offense. Probation and parole are two often used yet frequently misunderstood penalties that a judge may impose. Between probation and parole, there is a significant procedural distinction. 

So what is probation vs parole, really? Probation is a mandatory component of the offender’s first sentence, but parole occurs considerably later, allowing the offender to be released early from jail. Probation is granted by the judge during the course of the trial. It may be in place of or in addition to jail time. During the probationary phase, the judge will impose restrictions on the offender’s actions. 

A parole board grants parole after an offender has served some — or maybe a significant amount — of time. The parole board may evaluate an offender’s behavior in prison and level of rehabilitation when deciding whether to release them early. Additionally, the parole board may impose restrictions on the individual’s actions while on parole.

Defining Probation

Probation is a special kind of legal sanction that the court system may impose on an individual found guilty of certain crimes or legal offenses. Individuals may be sentenced to one of two types of probation. Serving time in prison and then being placed on probation once a portion of the sentence has been served is a popular alternative. Certain people are given the option of probation rather than incarceration, and if the probation period is successfully completed, they can avoid ever going to jail.

Furthermore, probation allows an individual to remain in their community while under the supervision of a probation officer. However, it is not available for every charge –– some criminals are sentenced to jail or prison without ever being offered probation –– and hence many feel it worth exploring if it is offered at their hearing. Conditions of probation vary significantly depending on the individual, the circumstances, and the offense but may include the following:

• Local community service
• Counseling programs to assist individuals struggling with drug or alcohol abuse 
• Fines and reparations for the harm caused 
• Jail time with the possibility of probation at a later date 
• Regular reporting to the probation officer 
• Restriction on substances such as alcohol and tobacco 
• Restriction on the possession and use of firearms 
• Limitations inside the community where they may be

As with probation, you will still be required to fulfill your sentence if granted parole. However, you will do so outside of prison. You must adhere to specific guidelines. Generally, you must either obtain work or demonstrate to your probation or parole officer that you have made an effort to locate work. 

What is Probation Violation?

A probation violation occurs when you violate the terms of your probation and fail to adhere to the court-imposed arrangement. If a judge finds that you violated your probation, you may face additional probation periods, substantial fines, revocation of your probation, or jail time, among other consequences.

Understanding the Role of a Probation Officer

Probation officers guarantee that the judge’s rules are followed and report on both difficulties and progress. Additionally, they collaborate with the community’s social services to assist people on probation in regaining their stance in life. This can be accomplished through introducing their clients to career prospects as well as health and psychiatric services. Due to the complexity of this function, a probation officer can be a valuable ally for someone in need. 

Moreover, probation officers –– through acting as a link between individual experience, social services, the judicial system, and the community –– have the potential to positively impact individual lives and function as a force for good. Their duties may include casework in high-crime regions as well as with disadvantaged groups, which can be emotionally taxing but also profoundly rewarding.

Defining Parole

Parole is a condition that may become accessible following the completion of a portion of a sentence of jail time. 

We frequently hear about individuals receiving time off for good behavior or being released on parole. This means they have shown an ability to change their behaviors and avoid causing trouble, as well as a willingness to rejoin society as a contributing member. When the total of their calendar time served plus their good time credit equals the duration of their jail term, eligible criminals are released on mandatory supervision. 

Additionally, there are parole rulings that allow an inmate to serve a portion of a jail sentence on parole in the community. Thus, the offender is permitted to remain in the community but is placed under surveillance. Moreover, he is required to comply with a series of stringent conditions meant to limit the likelihood of future offenses for the remainder of the probation period.

Suppose the supervisory body agrees to grant parole to an individual. In that case, they will be handed a list of the conditions of release they must adhere to in order to avoid re-incarceration.