Parole, Probation, and Sentence Conditions FAQ
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
What is the difference between parole, probation, and sentence conditions?
Parole refers to a situation where a person has served time in the penitentiary and has been released by the parole board. While on parole, that person must follow any conditions of their parole supervision or they could possibly have the remainder of the penitentiary sentence imposed at a parole revocation hearing.
Probation is a term used to describe a person that has been convicted of felony but had their penitentiary sentenced suspended and was subject to other punishment. If the person successfully completes their probationary period, they will not have to serve any of the suspended penitentiary sentence. However, if that person does not comply with probation, the suspended penitentiary sentence can be imposed by the Court.
Sentence conditions typically refer to a situation where a person has been sentenced on a misdemeanor charge and has some amount of jail suspended contingent upon compliance with certain conditions. If that person follows all the conditions that the Court ordered, they will not have to serve any of the jail time that was suspended.