Probation and Parole Defined

Probation is a court-imposed sentence. The probation period can constitute the entire sentence or can follow a period of incarceration.

Parole is a portion of a correctional sentence served in the community following a term of incarceration in state prison. Parole or Post-Release Supervision is intended to assist offenders in returning to society. These offenders are supervised in the community by parole officers, who are state officials employed by the NYS Division of Parole.

Mistakes can be costly

Nearly all sentences come with some set of conditions that must be followed exactly in order to satisfy your debt to the state. However, mistakes can result in additional fines, suspensions, or jail time.

An experienced defense attorney can provide you with guidance to help you meet the terms of your probation or parole, and resolve unsettled issues that can threaten your status. The attorney should be conversant with issues concerning:

• Work issues during supervised probation
• Alcohol or controlled substance testing
• Sex offender registration
• Applications for Certificate of Relief From Disabilities
• Driver’s license restoration