What is the difference between parole and probation?

Parole and probation are two different systems of criminal justice in North Dakota. Parole is a release from prison before the completion of a prison sentence, while probation is a court-ordered supervision of the offender in the community after conviction and sentencing. Parole is granted by the North Dakota Department of Corrections or an assigned parole board and is usually granted to those who demonstrate that they have accepted responsibility for their actions and are committed to following stipulations while living in the community. Offenders must remain crime-free, complete court-mandated treatment programs, and maintain contact with their parole officer. Probation, on the other hand, is ordered by the court as part of the criminal sentence. This supervision is enforced by a probation officer, and those on probation must follow specific conditions set by the court. These conditions may include curfews, community service, drug or alcohol testing, and restrictions on travel or employment. Offenders on probation are also usually required to maintain contact with their probation office, pay any required fines in a timely manner, and follow any other conditions established by the court. In both parole and probation the offender is required to abide by certain rules or risk being sent back to prison. However, parole is voluntary and is granted before the end of the prison sentence, while probation is court-ordered and given as part of the criminal sentence.

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What is the difference between parole and probation?

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