• Violation of probation or parole laws can result in a prison sentence.hinterhaus image by carsten jacobs from Fotolia.com
  
  Offenders who have committed crimes might be eligible for monitored community release, often called probation or parole. Probation is community release instead of a prison term. Parole is community release after a prison term, often a term that has been shortened. The probationer or parolee is subject to terms and conditions that must be followed in order to remain out of custody. Violation of these terms will result in arrest.
  
  

Standard Probation

• Standard probation terms include, but are not limited to, the following: report to probation officer as directed; do not move or leave the state without permission; do not use illegal drugs; pay court fees; complete community service hours and counseling; do not possess any weapons; and maintain gainful employment.
  
  Depending on the specific needs of the defendant, the court might order additional specialized probation terms. These can include terms for sex offenders, gang members, white collar criminals, drug users, domestic violence offenders or mental health defendants. Some of these terms can include: do not date anyone with minor children (sex offenders); do not associate with other gang members; submit all financial information to probation officer (white collar offenders); and take all medications as directed by physician (mental health offenders).
  
  

Intensive Probation

• Intensive probation offers additional stringent requirements for probationers who either do not qualify for standard probation or who have not been able to follow the terms and conditions of standard probation. In addition to all the standard probation terms, intensive probationers are placed on a program similar to home arrest. They must abide by strict curfew regulations, complete additional community service hours, and are subject to probation officer visits at any hour of the day or night.
  
  

Parole

• Many states use parole terms similar to those used by the State of Oregon. These include, but are not limited to: pay court fees; do not use illegal drugs; submit to drug testing; participate in substance abuse counseling; do not leave the state without permission; maintain gainful employment; and do not possess any weapons whatsoever. Like probation, the court can order specific parole terms, depending on the needs of the defendant. Specialized terms might relate to sex offenses, domestic violence crimes, mental health issues or substance abuse issues.