Definitions

• Probation. Offenders are sentenced to prison by the judge but the sentence is suspended and the offender is placed on probation supervision. Probation may also be associated with cases involving deferred judgment and deferred sentence, which are also judicial sentencing options.
• Parole. With the exception of life sentences and mandatory minimum sentencing, the Iowa Board of Parole determines what portion of a prison term should be served in prison, and what portion should be allotted for a period of supervision as a transition back to the community.
• Special Sentence. Certain sex offenders now are required to be on special sentence supervision following discharge from their criminal sanctions, custody and supervision. Depending on the convicting offense, the length of the special sentence may be ten years or life.