What is the difference between parole and probation?

Parole and probation are two forms of legal supervision that are used to help individuals released from prison transition back into society. They are both court-ordered and intended to help rehabilitate and monitor the individual after their release. The primary difference between parole and probation is that parole is granted to an individual after they have been released from prison. This allows them to re-enter the community while serving out the remainder of their sentence under the supervision of a parole officer. The parolee is required to abide by specific rules and regulations, and often must meet with their parole officer and submit to drug testing. If the terms of parole are violated, the individual may face additional consequences, including being sent back to prison. Probation is similar to parole in that it is court-ordered and requires the individual to follow certain regulations in order for it to remain in effect. The difference is that probation is usually granted to an individual before they have been sentenced to prison. This provides individuals with an opportunity to avoid a jail or prison sentence by proving that they are able to successfully abide by the terms of their probation while living in the community. Violations of probation can lead to the imposition of harsher penalties, including a prison sentence. In conclusion, the primary difference between parole and probation is that parole is granted after a prison sentence has been served, while probation is granted before. Both forms of legal supervision are intended to help individuals transition back into the community while providing the judicial system with assurance that they will abide by the terms of their sentence.

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