Probation vs. Parole

What is the difference? A probation sentence is instead of jail or prison. It is an alternative to incarceration. Parole is release from prison before the maximum term has been served. Both probation and parole mean community supervision rather than jail.

Many probationers are sentenced to "Shock Probation" which requires that they serve up to six months in the County Jail as part of their probation sentence.

Probation is a community based correctional system. It means living in the community rather than in confinement. This is the most important feature of the probation sentence. It is "supervised" living, with the probation officer guiding the offender to law-abiding behavior.

The term of probation varies between one and five years and may include various other "conditions," such as community service or substance abuse treatment.

Probationers may be discharged early if they show progress in rehabilitation. A Violation of Probation may mean the probationer is sent to jail.

Most people do well on probation and successfully return to normal lives.

In human and economic terms probation is an important alternative in our judicial system. The cost of probation is less that $1,000 a year; the cost of imprisonment is as high as $30,000 a year. Based upon crimes involved and the background of individuals, probation can be a good choice for both the community and the offenders.