What is the primary distinction between probation and parole?

The primary distinction between probation and parole is that probation is typically offered as an alternative to incarceration, meaning it can be granted instead of serving time in jail or prison. This allows an individual to remain in the community under supervision, usually with specific conditions they must follow. On the other hand, parole is granted to individuals who have already served a portion of their prison sentence and are released early, still under supervision.

This understanding highlights why the distinction in the context of the question is accurate. Probation initiates supervision to prevent incarceration, while parole serves to transition offenders back into society after serving time. The other options presented either conflate the concepts or misunderstand the conditions and oversight associated with each; for example, while probation is usually overseen by a judge and parole by a parole officer, this distinction does not capture the critical timing and purpose differences between the two concepts.