In Massachusetts, what is the difference between parole and probation, if any? (Posted by big107 on The Forum.)
Editor's Response:
In Massachusetts, as in other states, probation is a criminal sentence that is imposed after a conviction or plea agreement. As long as the convicted person obeys certain conditions, he or she is allowed to live in the community and avoid spending time in prison. Parole is more like a modification of a sentence. In other words, if a person is sentenced to prison and serves part of his sentence, parole allows him to go back into the community before his prison sentence is done. The conditions for parole are usually similar to those for probation: reporting to a probation officer, refraining from using drugs and alcohol, avoiding further criminal activity, etc.
Submitted by admin on Mon, 12/01/2008 - 10:13