Probation and parole are often used interchangeably by Weld County citizens; however, these terms are different. Parole is a part of a defendant’s sentence for a felony conviction and takes place after he or she has served time in a Colorado State prison. Probation is a sentencing alternative that a judge may give to a defendant instead of serving time. In some cases, a defendant may serve a combination of probation and some time in the Weld County Jail. If you have been charged with a crime, the difference between the two is important to understand – keep reading as our top criminal defense lawyers discuss these differences. If you need help with probation or parole in Fort Collins or Larimer County, get help here.
What are Probation and Parole in Colorado?
In Colorado, parole is served after a prison sentence at the Colorado Department of Corrections for a felony conviction. It is a required part of the defendant’s sentence after he or she is released from prison. Misdemeanor criminal convictions are served at the Weld County Jail and do not involve parole following release from incarceration.
Probation is a sentencing alternative that a judge gives instead of prison or a straight sentence to jail at the defendant’s sentencing hearing. Probation may be imposed for either a misdemeanor or felony conviction.
Both parole and probation involve supervised release into the community. A person on parole or probation must fulfill several conditions and report to an Officer. In either case, failure to satisfy these conditions can result in revocation.
Probation is Supervised by the Weld County Courts
Probation is supervised by Probation Officers at the Weld County Courts in Greeley, Colorado. After your sentencing hearing, you will meet with a Probation Officer / PO, whom you will work with for the duration of your probationary sentence. You will be required to regularly meet with your assigned PO, who ensures that you are fulfilling all the conditions of your probation. If you do not adhere to these conditions, your probation could be revoked, and you could be remanded to the Weld County Jail or Colorado DOC.
Parole is Supervised by the State of Colorado
When a person begins serving parole after serving time in prison, he or she will be supervised by the Colorado State Parole Board. Like probation, a person serving on parole will work with a Parole Officer, who ensures that the parolee is following all the conditions of his or her parole. These officers work with the prison, the parolee, and the State to help reintroduce the person into the community with supervision.
How Long are Parole and Probation Sentences in Greeley, Frederick, and Firestone, Colorado?
In Greeley, Frederick, Firestone, and across Colorado, the length of time for parole and probation sentences depend on several different factors. The time frame for probation depends largely on the original criminal charge and the judge imposing the sentence. Probationary sentences for most misdemeanor offenses may not exceed 5 years, but probation for felony offenses can be much longer.
The length of time a person may serve in parole is more specific and depends on the original felony conviction. Generally, if the offense was not a sex crime or an extraordinary risk crime, the length of parole for each felony class is as follows:
| Felony Classification | Time in Parole |
| Class 1 felony / F1 | None – defendant has been sentenced to lifelong incarceration |
| Class 2 felony / F2 | 3 years |
| Class 3 felony / F3 | 3 years |
| Class 4 felony / F4 | 3 years |
| Class 5 felony / F5 | 2 years |
| Class 6 felony / F6 | 1 year |
How Can a Top Weld County Criminal Defense Attorney Help You?
Violating the conditions of your probation or parole can result in revocation in Weld County. If you are facing the possibility of revocation, you need to contact a top criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Revocation of parole or probation could result in time at the Weld County Jail or Colorado Prison following a hearing at the Weld County Courts. Our defense attorneys have over 30 years of experience successfully representing clients at their probation and parole revocation hearings. Let us help you fight for your freedom and work towards possibly reinstating your probation or parole.