Is There a Difference Between Parole & Probation?

Lerner & Rowe Law Group
Criminal Defense Attorney in Phoenix Parole

Contact a criminal defense attorney today for more information about parole.

Probation and parole often confuse most people. In reality, there are substantive differences between these two legal terms. Accused of violating the terms of your probation/parole or accused of a crime? Do not attempt to navigate the legal maze on your own. At Lerner and Rowe Law Group, an experienced criminal defense attorney in Phoenix is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us for more information.

Probation

Probation applies to adult offenders subjected to court-issued supervision by way of a probation agency and occurs in place of incarceration. Yet there are some jurisdictions that sentence offenders to a brief period of incarceration followed by probation. In Arizona, a defendant receive a sentence to serve up to 12-months in jail as a condition of probation.

The manner of supervision applied to the offender is not always the same across the board. Most offenders on probation have to report to a probation authority on a regular basis. In some instances, these individuals must fulfill specific conditions of supervision such as participation in treatment programs and/or the payment of fines, court costs and fees. The failure to adhere to these conditions might result in incarceration. We can help answer your questions today so don’t wait to give us a call. 

Parole

Parole refers to offenders released from prison on specific conditions, generally known as community supervision. They serve the final portion of their criminal sentence within the community. Prisoners can be released to parole through a decision issued by the parole board or based on the provisions of a statute. Parolees are subjected to supervision statuses such as active supervision in which regular reporting to a parole authority is required.

The Main Differences 

There is a significant procedural difference between parole and probation. It is best to think of probation as an alternative to jail. Probation is generally a component of the individual’s initial sentence. Whereas parole follows a sentence of imprisonment. Parole allows an individual to be released from his prison sentence at an early point in time. Parole is decided on by the parole board following the offender’s serving of time.

The offender’s behavior while in prison combined with the level of his rehabilitation both play a part in whether early release occurs. Alternatively, the judge determines probation at trial. The judge imposes specific restrictions on the individual’s permissible activities throughout the duration of the probationary period, and an assigned probation officer also enforces the conditions of probation. Contact us today for more information. 

A Criminal Defense Attorney in Phoenix Will Help in Your Quest for Justice

Don’t struggle with the differences on your own. If arrested or convicted of a crime, or accused of violating the terms of your probation/parole, our legal professionals can help minimize your penalty and provide you with the freedom you deserve.

Contact a highly skilled Phoenix criminal defense lawyer at the Lerner & Rowe Law Group for a FREE consultation. We also provide affordable payment plans. Our criminal defense attorneys will to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a ring at 602-667-7777 to discuss your case. So don’t wait and we look forward to hearing from you.