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Understanding the Difference Between California Probation and Parole

By Neil Shous, Esq.

Even though the terms probation and parole are frequently used interchangeably, they are actually quite different. Take, for example, yesterday?s reports about rapper DMX. About half of the media websites reported that the rapper violated his probation, while the other half reported that he violated his parole. DMX actually violated his probation. The main difference between probation and parole is that California parole laws apply exclusively to convicted felons and only go into effect once the inmate is released from the California state prison. As a ?parolee?, the individual agrees to abide by certain terms and conditions, which are monitored by a parole agent. Probation is also a supervised program, but (1) it applies to both misdemeanors and felonies, and (2) is imposed as a condition of sentencing...continue to full post

Full post as published by California Criminal Defense Blog on March 11, 2010 (boomark / email).