Understanding the difference between day parole and full parole is important for anyone involved in the criminal justice system. Both are types of early release from prison, but they offer different levels of freedom and have different rules.
What is day parole?
Day parole allows an inmate to leave prison during the day for specific reasons. They must return to prison or a halfway house at night. The goal of day parole is to help inmates slowly adjust to life outside of prison. They get a chance to build job skills, continue their education, or receive necessary treatment, all while still being under some supervision.
What is full parole?
Full parole gives an inmate more freedom by allowing them to live in the community full-time, but they must follow certain conditions. Unlike day parole, full parole does not require the inmate to return to prison or a halfway house at night. The person is still under supervision and must check in with a parole officer, keep a job, or attend counseling sessions. Full parole offers more independence but still requires the individual to follow the rules set by the parole board.
Which parole option is right?
The decision between day parole and full parole depends on several factors. These include the crime committed, the inmate’s behavior in prison, and the parole board’s recommendations. Sometimes, an inmate might start with day parole and later move to full parole as they show they are ready to live independently.
Understanding parole options
Day parole and full parole provide different ways for inmates to re-enter society after serving time in prison for criminal convictions. Knowing the differences between these two options helps inmates and their families understand what to expect during the parole process.