Probation is the general term for a period of supervision after being convicted (either by plea or following trial) of a crime. Probation is a privilige, not a right, so a defendant must accept the terms of probation imposed in the sentence in order to be given a grant of probation. Typical terms include counseling or other therapy ordered by the court, depending on the type of crime (i.e. alcohol counselling in a DUI case or anger management in a domsestic violence case); search and seizure waivers (you waive your 4th Amendment right to be free from unreasonable searches while on probation) and often a term in jail, though less that the maximum sentence possible. If a defendant chooses not to agree to the terms of probation, they will serve the maximum sentence provided for by law. If a person is convicted of a felony, they may get a grant of probation instead of being sent to state prison. If a person violates a term or terms of probation, they face being sentenced for up to the maximum jail time left in their sentence that was not initially imposed. Probation differs from parole - Parole is the period of supervision after a sentence in prison. There are terms and conditions as well, but violation can result in up to a year in prison for each violation and that total time may exceed the maximum sentence in the case.