Expert: Robin Sexton - 7/19/2008

Question
Hi,

On a true-crime TV show a convicted defendent was given "25 to life without the possibility of parole."

I had thought that "life without the possibility of parole" would mean that he had to do the full life sentence. So what does the "25 to" mean.

The only thing I can think of, and I'm making this up, is that PAROLE would mean getting out in less than the minimum 25 years, while getting out from between 25 and life would be "time off for good behavior" or something like that.

If this is correct, then what is the possibility of a serial killer who gets "life without parole" getting out? Could he get out for "good behavior."

Please straighten me out.

Many thanks,

Steve

Answer
Steve,

TV seldom gets it right.

25 to life means they are given a minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum term of life.  Depending on the sentencing laws in the particular state, they may get time off for good behavior and parole.  They would then be on parole for either the remainder of the 25 or more or even up to life parole.
Some states that have truth in sentencing the subject would do the minimum 25 then depending on how well they do time they can parole anytime after 25. They could potentially be on parole for life.

Hopefully a true serial killer would be given life without parole, which means life in prison.  The only way out is to either die or have your sentence commuted or overturned.

Hope that helps

Robin