Although probation and parole are often used interchangeably by people unfamiliar with our legal system, they mean two very different things.

Probation is part of the sentence for committing a crime. It is essentially a jail sentence that one is permitted to serve outside of jail, usually in increments of months. A judge determines the length and the terms (rules) of probation. A person on probation reports monthly to a probation officer. If the terms of probation are broken, the offender may be sent to jail by the judge. Someone convicted of a misdemeanor or felony may serve part or all of a sentence on probation.

Parole is the early release of an inmate who has served part of a prison sentence. The inmate is allowed to return to the community under the conditions of parole and the supervision of a parole officer, much like someone on probation. Parole is usually measured in years, and applies to felony sentences. If the terms of parole are broken the parole may be sent back to prison.

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