Probation and Parole Sentencing

Probation and parole are alternatives to incarceration in the criminal justice system. Probation is a court-ordered period during which an offender remains in the community under specific conditions instead of serving time in prison. Parole, on the other hand, is the conditional release of a prisoner before completing their full sentence, allowing them to serve the remainder in the community. Both are designed to encourage rehabilitation while ensuring public safety, and they typically involve supervision and regular check-ins with a probation or parole officer. Violating conditions can lead to re-sentencing or incarceration.