Nearly every inmate currently incarcerated in the Michigan state prison system will eventually be released. Whether they are released at their maximum sentence date or paroled, they will be on the streets again. Preparing inmates for their release attempts to reduce recidivism and also quell the fears of the public.
Probation and parole are both considered community supervision, programs that allow people convicted of a crime to serve all or part of their sentence while free in the community. Both of these systems use supervision by state employed officers to ensure that the convicted people stay within certain guidelines of their release.
Historically, parolees were something to fear and that attitude remains today as well. Nearly half of parolees will violate the terms of their supervision, according to this article from the Detroit Free Press. These violators often hurt the chances of other, well meaning and reformed inmates who should be granted release.
As with parole, probation is granted to those people whom judges think can abide by restrictions placed on them and refrain from additional criminal activity. Probation eases prison crowding and saves the state money. It also, when successful, keeps some convicted people from becoming institutionalized.
Probation is often granted to first time non-violent offenders. If you are convicted of OWI or drug possession, there is a good chance you will be put on probation. Although charges like this carry the potential of jail time, probation is often an alternative that works for everyone involved.
Both probation and parole terms are governed by restrictions or “conditions”. The conditions of your supervision may be directly related to your charge. For instance, if your charge was OWI, your probation may involve drug/alcohol counseling, random breath or urine tests, or being restricted from visiting bars.
If you are up against criminal charges and interested in what your potential sentence might be, I can help. Also, if you are wondering whether or not you might qualify for probation, I can look into that as well. Call me today to discuss the details of your case.