When someone is found guilty of a felony, he or she can be sentenced to prison. The sentence can range from at least 1 year to life imprisonment depending on how serious the crime was and whether it is a first or second offense.
If the offender is a first time offender and there is no prior criminal history he or she may be eligible for conditional release after serving one-third (1/3) of his or her maximum sentence. This may include the reduction of confinement time due to good behavior, parole violation, or other eligibility criteria.
Prison sentences typically have a minimum period of time that must be served before parole is possible and can include the maximum penalty for the offence, plus a period of extended supervision. A prison sentence can also be reduced by ‘good time’, which is based on an individual’s behavior and the number of days served in jail.
Jails are a local government facility run by sheriffs and usually houses those who have been arrested and are awaiting their bail hearing or trial. Some inmates who have been sentenced to a short term sentence such as embezzlement (a felony) may be transferred to a jail.
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