What is defined as a sentence where a convicted offender serves a fixed term in jail or prison before being released to a term of probation?

A split sentence is a judicial sentencing practice in which a convicted offender serves a specified period of incarceration in jail or prison, followed by a period of probation. This approach allows the court to impose a term of imprisonment to serve as a punitive measure while still providing an opportunity for rehabilitation through probation after the initial incarceration. The structure of a split sentence underscores the balance between punishment and the chance for the offender to reintegrate into society under supervision.

In contrast, suspension refers to a situation where a sentence is not imposed immediately but rather held off, typically allowing the offender to remain in the community under certain conditions, which does not involve a term of imprisonment beforehand. A verdict is the decision made by a jury or judge regarding the guilt or innocence of a defendant, and testimony is evidence provided by a witness during a trial. Neither suspension, verdict, nor testimony captures the dual nature of serving time before transitioning to probation, which is the essence of a split sentence.