What is a split sentence?

A split sentence refers to a legal sentence where an offender serves a portion of their sentence in prison, followed by a period of probation. This approach integrates both incarceration and community supervision, allowing for immediate accountability through imprisonment while also facilitating rehabilitation and reintegration into society through probation.

This method is often used for various reasons, including offering a structured transition from incarceration to freedom, allowing the offender to demonstrate good behavior during probation after serving time, and providing closer supervision during their reintegration process. As such, it balances punishment with opportunities for reform, acknowledging the complexities of criminal behavior and the potential for rehabilitation.