What is the difference between parole and probation?

Parole and probation are both court-ordered forms of supervision that people who commit crimes must complete. Probation is a sentence of supervised freedom in the community, granted in lieu of jail time or jail sentence, when a person is found guilty of a criminal offense. Parole, on the other hand, is a form of early release from prison granted to certain inmates who have served at least a portion of their full sentence. The main difference between parole and probation is that parole is a form of early release from prison, while probation is a court-ordered program that occurs in the community. Parole is granted to certain inmates who have served at least a portion of their full sentence, and requires them to abide by certain conditions and rules during their release period. The parolee must report regularly to their parole officer, abstain from illegal activities, obey the law, and keep a curfew. Probation, on the other hand, is an alternative to jail time or jail sentence that allows a person found guilty of a crime to remain in the community, instead of being incarcerated. The convicted offender must adhere to court-ordered conditions, such as appearing regularly before a probation officer, completing community service, and participating in programs like counseling and substance abuse treatment. Both probation and parole are important forms of criminal justice that allow individuals to remain connected to their community and supervised by a qualified professional. In Washington, parole and probation are administered by the Washington State Department of Corrections and serve to protect public safety and promote successful transition into the community.

What is the difference between parole and probation?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts