Parole and probation are both supervisory-type mechanisms employed in the punishment phase of the criminal justice process. Parole comes into play after a person has been imprisoned and is released. Probation, by contrast, refers to a criminal sentence separate and distinct from incarceration. Probation is the most frequent sentence imposed and typically involves releasing the convicted offender into the community subject to a list of terms and conditions. The actual terms can vary widely, based on the underlying crime, the characteristics of the offender, and the resources of the probation system. All individuals on probation are subject to a requirement that the offender have no further law violations.

Persons convicted of DUI or drunk driving in Washington are placed on probation. In Washington DUI or drunk driving is a gross misdemeanor and not a felony. This means that the maximum punishment is one year in the county jail. If a person has multiple offenses, the court can run the sentences consecutive so that a person could be sentenced to more than a year in jail.  In some states if a person has multiple DUI or drunk driving convictions it can be treated as a felony and a prison term is possible. In the case of a misdemeanor conviction, a convicted DUI driver would be placed on probation and subject to continuing supervision. In the case of a felony conviction, a DUI driver would be placed on parole and subject to continuing supervision. Lawyers experienced in criminal defense and drunk driving law can explain the spectrum of possible punishments for drunk driving offenders in general and the possible sentences in your case in greater detail.