What is the difference between a suspended sentence and probation?

The difference between a suspended sentence and probation is that when you get a suspended sentence, the court is not imposing any punishment. Instead, the judge is ordering you to stay away from drug crimes and illegal activities. If you break the court’s order, you may face fines, jail time, or even more serious consequences. Probation is a court-ordered period of supervision and monitoring. In Washington, probationers must follow instructions from their probation officer, such as attending drug rehab, having regular drug tests, participating in community service or job training, and submitting to search and seizure at any time. If a person on probation violates their probation, or is arrested for a new crime, they can be sent to jail or face a harsher sentence. A suspended sentence is a temporary reprieve. It allows a person to stay out of jail, but it is not necessarily an assurance that the person will be able to stay out of jail. A suspended sentence is usually followed by probation. If the person completes the conditions of probation, they may not have to face a harsher sentence. In summary, suspended sentences are temporary reprieves from jail time while probation is a court-ordered period of supervision and monitoring. Suspended sentences can be followed by probation, but if the person on probation violates its terms, they can end up back in jail.

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What is the difference between a suspended sentence and probation?

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