Legal Definitions - bench parole

Definition: Bench parole is a type of probation where the offender agrees to certain conditions or restrictions and reports only to the sentencing judge instead of a probation officer. It is a court-imposed criminal sentence that releases a convicted person into the community instead of sending them to jail or prison.

Examples:

• A judge may sentence a first-time offender to bench parole, requiring them to attend counseling and stay away from drugs and alcohol.
• Another example of bench parole is when a judge orders a convicted person to perform community service and report back to them on their progress.

These examples illustrate how bench parole is a form of probation that allows the offender to remain in the community while being monitored by the sentencing judge. The judge sets specific conditions that the offender must follow, and if they fail to comply, the judge may revoke their probation and send them to jail or prison.