What is the difference between Probation and Parole?

Probation is a sentencing alternative, which does not involve a period of incarceration. Parole is a conditional release from incarceration to serve the balance of the original sentence under the supervision of a parole officer. The conditions are the same and there is no difference between the terms Probation Officer and Parole Officer. It should be noted that the there are two paroling authorities in Pennsylvania: the Common Please Court Judges and the Pa. Board of Probation and Parole. The Pa. Board of Probation and Parole has parole and supervisory authority over those offenders sentenced to 2 years or more in prison. 

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What is Intermediate Punishment? 

Intermediate Punishment is another sentencing alternative available to the Court that includes incarceration, electronic monitoring, intensive supervision, treatment and, in most cases, community service. Restrictive Intermediate Punishment is an enhanced version of Intermediate Punishment. Those offenders convicted of a violent offense are not eligible for Intermediate Punishment. 

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What is ARD? 

The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program is a pre-trial alternative for certain first time offenders facing disposition on a non-violent offense. The District Attorney's Office established the eligibility criteria and must approve the offender's application. The Adult Probation and Parole Department supervises those placed into the Program. Successful participants can earn a dismissal of the charges and are eligible for an expungement. 

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Are those on probation or parole allowed to live or travel wherever they want? 

Those on probation or parole are not free to travel outside of the state without travel permission from the Probation Officer. Also, they are not permitted to change address without prior approval from the Probation Officer. If an offender intends to move to another state, they must obtain permission to do so. The offender must be eligible under the Interstate Compact Agreement and must be accepted for supervision by the receiving state. Those not accepted are required to return to this jurisdiction. 

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Are those on ARD, probation, parole or intermediate punishment allowed to possess a firearm? 

Offenders under our supervision are prohibited from possessing a firearm or deadly weapon. 

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Where should I send payments on my fines and costs? 

You can send a check or money order payable to "Chief Probation Officer" and mail to: 

Adult Probation and Parole 
201 West Market Street, Suite 2100
P.O. Box 2746
West Chester, PA 19380 

Include your case number on the check or money order. The Department also accepts Western Union, credit cards (Visa, Discover and MasterCard) and debit cards. Do not send cash. Cash and credit card payments are to be made in person at the main office of the Adult Probation and Parole Department. The satellite office can not accept your payments.

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