Parole and Truth in Sentencing

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Parole and Truth-in-Sentencing CJS/200 Foundations of Criminal Justice System Parole is the supervised release of an inmate on earlier than scheduled terms. Probation and parole differ. It differs in purpose and implementation. Probation offenders serve time outside the prison unlike parole offenders who do time in and out of prison. The convicted offender has a parole officer or authority figure to ensure they are meeting conditions for the duration of their sentence. Parole is considered an incentive to prisoners. This gives prisoners a goal to work towards and rewards good behavior in prison. The objective is for them to pick up better habits and get earlier release. The self-improvement can be good for the inmate and good for society. The condition of a parole sentence varies by states and statues. It also depends on the offender’s criminal history and changes in behavior. Some states utilize parole boards in making the decisions to release or keep offenders while others may not. Many conditions of parole are similar to the ones done by probation offenders. General conditions consist of being unable to leave the state, checking in with parole officers, obey extradition request from other jurisdictions, and having a parole officer visits home sometimes unannounced. Another condition is finding employment within 30 days of being released. If a prisoner does not find employment may face parole revocation. The parolee can be forced to return to prison or pay fines. While not on parole prisoners may also have to make restitution payments. This can be monetary or providing time to the community such as a beautification process. Prisoners are most likely to serve less time in prisons than they are sentenced to. The objective of Truth-in-sentencing is used to describe the range of policies the justice system has

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