Sentencing refers to the punishment a judge gives after conviction.

Parole is early release from prison under supervision.

Probation is supervision in the community instead of prison, with rules to follow.

Supervised release is supervision after finishing a prison sentence (used in federal cases).

• Jail is a short-term confinement, usually for misdemeanors or while waiting for trial.

• Prison is a long-term confinement for serious crimes (felonies).

• Federal prison is for people convicted of violating federal crimes.

• State prison is for people convicted of violating state crimes.

• County jail is for local, short sentences or pretrial holding.

• State prison is for longer-term punishment for felonies.

Bail or bond pending appeal is when someone found guilty stays out of jail while their appeal is being decided.

Pretrial diversion is a program letting someone avoid trial by completing counseling, treatment, or community service.

Alternatives to sentencing include community service, house arrest, fines, treatment programs, and probation

Sentencing mitigation is evidence or reasons that may convince a judge to give a lighter sentence.

A presentence report is a report to the judge about the defendant’s background and crime to help decide punishment.

The judge’s role at the time of sentencing is to decide the fair punishment based on the law, evidence, and sentencing rules.

A post trial motion in a criminal case is a request after trial to change the verdict or sentence.

A direct appeal in a criminal case is a request to a higher court to review the case for mistakes.

Post conviction remedies in a criminal case are ways that a defendant can challenge a conviction after appeals (like new trial requests).