Although parole and probation are terms often used interchangeably, there are differences between the two. Parole refers to the time period after a person has been released from prison, but is still under court supervision. Probation refers to a sentence wherein a person is under the supervision of the court but did not necessarily serve time in prison. Both a term of parole and a term of probation generally require that a person remain free of trouble for the duration, but there may be additional obligations or conditions specific to that person’s sentence. For example, during the term of either parole or probation, checking in regularly with an appointed official or completing drug tests may be required. Conditions depend on the offense and associated sentence or release terms, and these rules may differ from state to state. In this section, you will find information about issues surrounding parole and probation.