What is the difference between probation and parole?

The difference between probation and parole in California is quite distinct. Probation is a court-appointed period of supervision that an individual must adhere to in order to avoid prison or other punishment. It is typically imposed as a consequence of a criminal conviction, or as an alternative to prison. It is intended to be a way to keep a person from re-offending, and involves the individual living and behaving according to certain conditions for a specific length of time. In contrast, parole is the release of an individual from prison before the completion of their sentence. It is usually granted by a parole board that reviews an inmate’s progress and behavior while incarcerated, and determines whether they are suitable for release based on that criteria. Parolees must typically abide by a strict set of conditions, such as attending counseling, obtaining employment, and/or avoiding contact with anyone involved in criminal activity. The goal of both probation and parole is to help individuals who have committed crimes to stay out of trouble and lead productive lives. Probation is often seen as a kind of “second chance” for those who have been convicted of a crime but have not served time in prison, while parole is a way of helping individuals who have already served time in prison to reintegrate into society.

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What is the difference between probation and parole?

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