Parole Vs Probation

There are two avenues available for convicted criminals that aim to be cost effective and behaviorally reactive. Parole and probation are ways to keep criminals active in society so that they can positively contribute and continually interact, but with the supervision of a qualified officer who is ensuring that they do not commit anymore crimes or act irresponsible in any unlawful way. While the two treatments have the same end game, the recovery of a criminal, the foundation of the two is very different, as is someone out on parole versus someone out on probation.

Probation is the lesser of the two. Typically, someone on probation, has committed a lesser offense or is a first time offender, (such as a juvenile) and thus was given the option by the courts to serve time on probation instead of any time in jail. As noted, probation is determined during sentencing by the judge who decided that the offender is still fit for society, not jail, and allows him or her the luxury of remaining in the community so that they can maintain contact with their family and continue their employment.

Parole on the other hand, is for someone already in prison, but has shown exceptionally good behavior and is determined to once again be fit for society. For instance, if someone is serving a five year sentence in jail, depending on how well they have acted during this time, they might be eligible for parole at two years where they can then serve the remainder of their sentence outside the walls of prison. However, similar to probation, they will have an officer they have to report to that is making sure they are not living their life outside of the restrictions set forth by the parole board. Usually, someone on parole has committed a more serious offense, which is why they had to serve prison time in the first place. In addition, parole has proven to be an effective way of promoting good behavior within the jails as it gives them the option of early release if they do act in such an appropriate way.

In the end, the biggest difference between parole and probation is that probation serves as an initial alternative to ever having to serve prison time, whereas parole is a way of rewarding good behavior in prison. If for some reason, you are in violation of your probation, then you should always speak to probation violation lawyer who will clear up any questions you have. Many criminal defense law firms have extensive experience dealing with probation officer, the prosecutor, and the courts to successfully argue for reinstatement of probation. Parole is determined by the parole board and probation by the judge, but the desired results of the two are the same; through a serious of demands, such as routine drug tests, employment, absence of anymore crimes, rehabilitation, disassociation with other criminals, and frequent check-ins with their parole office, the rehabilitation of a criminal can be achieved within the functionality of society and ultimately benefit both society and that individual.