What is the difference between a suspended sentence and probation?

A suspended sentence is a legal term for a sentence that is put on hold by a judge. This means that the defendant is not immediately incarcerated and does not have to serve their sentence. Rather, the sentence is placed in suspension, and the defendant will only have to serve the sentence if they break the conditions of their probation. Probation is an alternative to a prison sentence that allows a criminal defendant supervised freedom outside of prison. It is a period of time, typically 1-3 years, during which the defendant must adhere to certain conditions set by the court, such as completing community service or regular check-ins with a probation officer. If the defendant fails to meet these conditions, then the suspended sentence may be imposed. The main difference between a suspended sentence and probation is that a suspended sentence is a sentence that has been put on hold and can be enforced later, whereas probation is more like an agreement where the defendant must adhere to certain conditions set out by the court. If the defendant meets these conditions, then they will not have to serve the suspended sentence, but if they do not, then the court has the right to enforce the suspended sentence.

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