Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

Many people confuse the terms parole and bail, but they refer to very different parts of the criminal justice system. While both involve a person being released from custody, the timing, purpose, and conditions of each are not the same. Understanding the difference between parole and bail can help clarify legal processes and what a defendant or inmate may expect.

What Is Bail?

Bail is a form of release that occurs after someone is arrested but before their trial. It allows the defendant to remain free while their case is pending, in exchange for money or a bond as a guarantee they will return to court. The purpose of bail is to make sure the person shows up for hearings without keeping them in jail unnecessarily.

• Set by a judge shortly after arrest
• Can involve cash, property, or a surety bond
• Ends once the case is resolved (conviction, acquittal, or dismissal)
• Does not mean the person is guilty or convicted

If the defendant follows all court requirements, the bail is returned at the end of the case. If they miss court or violate release conditions, the bail can be forfeited and a warrant may be issued for their arrest.

What Is Parole?

Parole is a form of supervised release that occurs after a person has been convicted and served part of their prison sentence. It allows them to finish the remainder of their sentence in the community under strict conditions. Parole is granted by a parole board, not a judge, and is based on the inmate’s behavior, rehabilitation progress, and risk to public safety.

• Applies only after conviction and time served
• Supervised by a parole officer
• Conditions may include drug testing, curfews, employment, and travel restrictions
• Violating parole can lead to return to prison

Parole is not available in all states or for all crimes. Some sentences include the possibility of parole, while others (such as life without parole) do not.

Key Differences Between Bail and Parole

The main differences come down to timing, purpose, and legal status. Bail is about release before trial, while parole is about release after serving time.

• Timing – Bail happens before trial; parole happens after conviction and prison time
• Authority – Bail is set by a judge; parole is granted by a parole board
• Status – A person out on bail is presumed innocent; a person on parole has been convicted

Bail and parole are not the same thing. Bail is a pretrial release based on a financial guarantee, while parole is a form of early supervised release after part of a prison sentence has been served. Both allow individuals to be out of custody, but they apply at very different stages of the legal process and come with different rights and responsibilities.