What is the difference between parole and probation?

The difference between parole and probation in North Carolina is based on when a person is released from prison. Parole is when a person is released from prison before they have finished their sentence or before they are eligible for release. Probation is when an offender is released from prison without having to serve the full sentence. Parole is early release from prison and is typically granted in cases where an inmate is seen to be at low risk of reoffending and there is a motivation to rehabilitate them back into society. In order for parole to be granted, a Parole Commission must vote for it and the decision is solely at their discretion. The offender may still be under some restrictions on their freedom for the remainder of their sentence on parole. On the other hand, probation is a court-ordered process which allows offenders to remain in their communities after their conviction but with restrictions. Offenders on probation are not required to serve their full sentence but instead are placed on probation for a certain period of time, usually with some general behaviors that they must adhere to or with specific conditions such as drug testing or rehab programs. They may also be given additional punishments should they violate any of the conditions of probation. Probation is frequently used as an alternative to incarceration in order to reduce prison overcrowding.

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What is the difference between parole and probation?

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