What Is the Difference Between Parole and Probation in Pennsylvania?
Posted May 3, 2016 by Attorney & filed under Bradford PA Criminal Defense Attorney, Criminal Defense Attorney, Defense Attorney, Edinboro PA Criminal Defense Attorney, Erie PA Criminal Defense Attorney, Meadville PA Criminal Defense Attorney, Misdemeanor, Warren PA Criminal Defense Attorney.
There are many different ramifications for being convicted of a crime in Pennsylvania and two of the most common outcomes include parole and probation. These are not one and the same so it is important to understand how they may impact your future in the event that you are convicted of a crime or accept a plea deal. Working with an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney can help you understand the difference and how to live within the rules of either condition.
Parole refers to the supervised prisoner release from incarceration into the community prior to the end of his or her stated sentence. Many of the conditions of parole, however, are quite similar to probation. Probation refers to a criminal sentence that allows you to remain in the community instead of serving time in prison so long as you comply with certain rules. These usually include refraining from drugs and alcohol, reporting regularly to your probation officer, not changing residences without obtaining permission to do so, avoiding committing any further crimes and staying in school or employed.
In the event that you violate probation, you could be re-sentenced to incarceration. If an individual violates parole, he or she will typically be sent back to prison. This is why it is imperative to comply with all rules associated with parole and probation. Individuals released on parole usually have similar conditions to probation and you should never minimize these rules and conditions as you could wind up back in jail if you fail to comply with them.
One of the most vital things you can do to protect yourself immediately after being charged with a crime, or after you have received a sentence, is to have a knowledgeable Erie, Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney on your side to protect your rights. You can get your questions answered promptly and avoid making any mistakes that could cause further consequences for your future. Hiring the right criminal defense attorney as soon as you are charged with a crime can make a big difference and allow you to move on from an unfortunate incident.