In the process of taking a look at probation officer jobs, or in the process of looking at how to become a probation officer you may be interested in learning more about parole and probation sentences. This article will attempt to answer and questions you may have regarding parole and probation sentences.

Probation Sentences

Probation is a sentence one would receive ordered by the court in lieu of having to spend time in jail. In place of having to go to jail a probation sentence and guidelines are put in place for the offender to follow, and are monitored by a probation officer. The strictness of the guidelines and sentence are usually in co-ordinance with the seriousness of the crime committed and the circumstances.

Parole Sentences

Parole is similar to probation but is something put in place after a jail sentence, rather than in lieu of a prison sentence. After an inmate is released from prison they will be under the supervision of a parole officer who oversees their parole guidelines and sentencing after their release from prison. In most states the board of parole, or board of commission is responsible for granting an offender parole. If an offender violates his parole it will often result in the offender being sent back to prison.

Different state’s have different rules when it comes to who and who is not eligible for parole. Typically the more serious the crime the less chance there may be for parole; for example those serving life sentences or death sentences are usually not eligible for parole.

How Much Time Will One Spend On Parole or Probation?

Depending on the state where the crime was committed will determine the amount of time you may spend on parole or probation. Your probation or parole officers recommendations will also determine how much time you will be required to spend on either.

Probation can usually vary from 6 months to 10 years. The length of probation is usually determined by the seriousness of the crime. Lower level offenses may land you on probation for shorter amounts of time from 1-3 years; while higher level offenses could land you on probation for the maximum amount of time required by the state. Most states have a maximum amount of time you can spend on probation for a felony and that maximum is generally 10 years.

If you spent time and prison an then receive supervision after wards this would be referred to as parole. The length of your parole will depend on the your original jail sentence. The length of time you spend on parole can’t exceed the amount of time you were originally sentenced to jail. For instance, if you were given a 5 year jail sentence and are paroled after 3 years, then you will not spend more than 2 years on parole. If you were given a life sentence and then placed on parole, the length of your parole will most likely be for life. If you fail to meet all the guidelines of your parole sentencing then you can be sent back to jail to serve the remainder of your sentence.

Can One Be Eligible For Early Termination of Probation and Parole?

Only in very compelling situations would one be likely for an early termination of his/her parole sentence. However, early termination of a probation sentence can happen. Early termination of a probation sentence is determined by an offenders performance while on probation as evaluated by their probation officer. In situations where a person has paid all of their fines, completes their community service hours, finishes all court ordered classes, and meets all other court ordered guidelines, they would then be eligible to petition the court for early termination of their probation sentence. The exact time you may apply for early termination of your probation will depend on the particular state. Most states will allow you to petition once you’ve served half the probation period out.

Do You Get Credit For Time Served On Probation?

Generally the time you spend on probation has no affect on the time you will spend on parole. For example, if you were sentenced to 10 years in prison, but received 5 years on probation in lieu of having to spend time in jail. Then after 2 years you violated your parole and were sentenced to your 10 year sentence, you would not receive credit for the 2 years you spent on probation. The reason for this is the 10 year sentence was suspended in place of probation.

Getting More Answers

If you have more questions about parole and probation in your area you can contact your local authorities or a criminal attorney in your area.