Parole and probation are two forms of community supervision within the criminal justice system. Although both allow individuals to live in the community under specific conditions and supervision, they serve different purposes and typically occur at different stages of the reentry process.
Understanding the differences between parole and probation can help individuals and families better navigate the reentry process and identify the resources needed to support successful transitions.
What Is Parole?
Parole is the conditional release of an individual from incarceration before the completion of their prison sentence. It allows a person to serve the remainder of their sentence in the community under supervision, provided they comply with the conditions established for their release.
Individuals released on parole are generally required to report to a parole officer, maintain approved housing, comply with applicable laws and meet other requirements specific to their release. Parole supervision typically continues until the sentence expires, subject to the rules governing the individual’s case. Violating parole conditions can result in additional restrictions or the revocation of parole, potentially leading to a return to incarceration.
What Is Probation?
Probation is a court-ordered period of supervision that is generally imposed instead of incarceration, although it may also be imposed alongside a jail sentence or as part of a sentence following incarceration, depending on the circumstances.
Rather than serving a period of incarceration in prison, an individual on probation remains in the community while meeting specific requirements established by the court. These conditions are intended to promote accountability, compliance with the law and successful participation in the community.
Probation generally lasts for the term imposed by the court, although its duration may change under certain circumstances permitted by law. Failure to comply with probation conditions can result in additional court requirements, modification or revocation of probation and potentially incarceration.
