Probation vs. Parole: What’s The Difference?

Eligibility

Just like their purpose, parole and probation have different eligibility requirements too.

Aside from good behavior, someone’s eligibility for parole is determined during their sentencing. In most cases, the court will specify a minimum amount of time for the offender to serve before they can apply for parole.

If no such time limit is mentioned, the offender will only be eligible for parole after serving at least one-third of their term. Or if the offender is serving more than 30 years to life, they may only apply for parole after serving at least 10 years.

In some states, the eligibility for parole may also be affected by factors like:

• the type of offense
• previous criminal records (if any)
• the length of time between offenses

Meanwhile, all offenders are eligible for probation except if:

• the offense is a class A or B felony and the defendant is an individual
• the offense is an offense for which probation is previously precluded
• the defendant is sentenced at the same time to a term of imprisonment for the same or a different offense that is not a petty crime

An offender with class A or B felony charge may also be eligible for probation if they provide substantial assistance to the authorities.

Conditions

Both parole and probation involve certain conditions that the offender must follow. These conditions are usually set by the judge or the parole officer. Violation of which can lead to imprisonment.

The law specifies both mandatory and discretionary conditions for probation. Mandatory ones include:

• the offender must not commit another federal, state, or local crime while under probation
• the offender must not illegally possess a controlled substance
• first time domestic violence offenders must attend a court-approved rehabilitation program
• the offender must refrain from illegal use of controlled substances
• the offender must submit to a drug test within  days after being released on probation and at least 2 periodic drug tests thereafter
• checking in regularly with a probation officer

For parole, most states allow authorities significant discretion on what conditions to impose. But they must not unfairly restrict any fundamental rights. This is why parole conditions usually vary from state to state.

But in general, parole conditions include:

• reporting regularly to a supervising officer
• not leaving a defined area without permission
• refrain from possessing any guns or weapons
• not breaking the law
• maintain employment and a residence
• avoid contact with any victims
• refrain from drug or alcohol use
• attend drug or alcohol recovery meetings

Aside from the above, the court may also require offenders to wear ankle monitors to track their location and alcohol or drug consumption.

Fourth Amendment Rights

The protection from illegal searches provided by the Fourth Amendment does not include people under parole and probation. This means that authorities can search their homes even without a search warrant.

If illegal drugs or weapons are discovered during the search, they can used as evidence against the offender. In addition to the revocation of parole or probation, the offender may also face charges for drugs and possession of illegal weapons.

Is Parole More Strict Than Probation?

It really depends on the conditions imposed by the court. Remember that, in most cases, the parole and probation conditions are tailored to the risks posed by the offender.

If the parole officer sees that the parolee is trying their best to stay sober, has a regular job, and basically getting their life together, they may not be that strict. The same goes for those released on probation. If the probationer is staying away from crime and doesn’t do anything that might violate their probation, the probation officers are usually more lenient.