What is probation? Is it different than parole?
Probation is a defined period of time during which a convicted person must report to and is supervised by a probation officer. The offender may have to comply with special conditions, such as counseling, no contact with a victim, or even staying out of a certain geographic area. Probation often follows a period of time served in jail. This is called a “split sentence.” 17-A M.R.S.A. § 1203. The jail sentence is split between that which is served, and that which is “suspended.” The remaining jail sentence is, in effect, suspended over the probationer’s head during the time he is on probation. Sometimes, the jail sentence is “wholly suspended.” 17-A M.R.S.A. § 1203-C. In other words, the offender spends no time in jail up front. However, if a probationer violates any of the probation conditions or commits new criminal conduct, probation can be “revoked.” A judge can order the person to return to jail for all or any portion of the suspended sentence. 17-A M.R.S.A. §§1205-1207. A suspended
