is a life sentence w/out parole really mean you will never get out of jail or is there a time limit?
358984
it's a life sentence so you'll stay in jail for LIFE.
43858
John's answer is absolutely correct, though I'd add one thing to it.   Punishment for criminal offenses often is dealt out in different degrees.  In California, many crimes are punishable by an upper limit of days in county jail (example: up to one year in county jail, meaning a person could get no jail time, or up to a year in jail), or by a number of determined years in prison (2, 3, or 4 years, for example).  \n\nThere are many factors that determine the sentence handed out to the defendant, but you should expect to see the prosecutor argue for the upper limits of allowable punishment because, after all, police officers are supposed to be perfect (okay, I'm getting a little testy here) or at least not supposed to go around committing crimes.  It's hard to argue that a cop should be prosecuted and punished just like anyone else, because the cops are indeed supposed to be the people who enforce the law, not break it.\n\nBottom line: John's right, but you'd probably expect to see the prosecutor at least ask for harsher sentences for cops - and maybe even get them.
1058696
Judges formally have to give 2 consecutive life sentences because thats the punishment the crimes calls for. Of course it does not mean their bodies sit in jail after they die, it would rot!\nIf it was only 1 person that was murdered, the person could get two life sentences because one would be for the act of homicide while the other might be for a felony the defendant was committing simultaneously with the crime. (I.E. A person commits first degree sexual assault then murders the victim during the same act.)\n\nThe point it, the judge must formally give the defendant his sentencing. But you are right, the symantics and logic of "you will be in prison until you die" serves the same purpose but the first one is much less grusom to the listeners ear.
630147
It will be 8 years of prison unless there are provisions that would allow the inmate to be released sooner for good behavior.  If the person is release early, they would be paroled and can be returned to serve the full 8 years if they violate their parole.
1008584
How depressing that we live in a country that would put a child behind bars for so long over a non-violent crime.... he could not have signed the lease to an apartment at the time of his sentencing but could be locked away for a period longer than he'd been alive..... That said, YES! People change, and grow and mature and YES, he'll have a hard go of it, but if released tomorrow, he could still have a life and a good one.\nI have a penpal that I met through a friend... at 19, he committed a robbery that ended very badly and he is currently serving life without parole.... he just turned 34, and I see no trace in him of the reckless young man who committed that crime... In his place is a thoughtful, intelligent, well read young man who regrets his behavior but knows that no degree of remorse can change what he did.... Even behind the bars of a maximum security prison, he grew up... and your friend may very well have done so, too.\nYou may want to check out http://www.prisontalk.com if you want to know more about these issues.
1036764
I have wondered about that more than you will ever know. \n\nI think that they are thinking it is a deterrent to murder, even though studies have shown this is definitely not the case. My personal opinion is that it is hard to sell the idea of the sanctity of life when you are engaged in taking life yourself; it just cheapens life in general and makes it seem less important. I also hear people say that it is the ultimate punishment, the absolute worst punishment the government can dish out. But if you read about being in prison, or listen to what people in prison for life have to say, it seems to me that a true life sentence, without any possibility of parole, is a much worse punishment.
1098071
It is kinda like probation but you serve some of a sentence then you get out. but if you get into trouble within the paroll period you go back and finish the original sentence plus what ever new time you get.
836948
That is how law defines that, if you were tried in a common pleas court, you could try to appeal your case, if that doesn't work, you need to try to get though it, after all :if you cant do the time, don't do the crime! I work in a police office and since you have been sentenced to rehabilitation, your stuck with it. I hate to say it, but there really isn't anything you can do, but appeal.
877426
Althugh parole scarcely exists in many systems these days, this takes care of the matter if it is brought back.\n\nMany, many criminals will die in prison these days. I have no problem with that; except that for those sentenced in the 1960s-1980s when the judge took account of the fact that most prisoners were released after serving half their sentence, there is some unfairness. Like the teenagers sentenced to "llfe" when life meant 20 years. Only now it means life, retroactively.
378778
I'm sure there's a minimum and maximum sentence... and those would likely be dependant on the laws of the state.  Most states are probably similar, but you should consult with the laws of the state you are in.  \n\nIn actuality, the number of years you would get if convicted would be determined by the judge at sentencing time.  It would be no more than the maximum sentence.. unless there were more charges or multiple counts.
690922
It means that the judge is making sure the person does not get paroled. Multiple sentences for multiple offenses are often given so that if an appeal on one is lost, the remaining sentences will make sure the defendant stays in prison.
463140
I too believe that life without parole should be the maximum sentence for any crime.  In a world where the law and conviction system is full of inaccuracies it is too much of a risk to sentence someone to death-EVEN with a confession there is always the chance that they are innocent or did not play as big a part in a murder as they claim to have done.  Its AMAZING the amount of false confessions people will make under pressure-particularly those with a learning difficulty.  Also, the people who are actively involved in the execution of prisoners are surely then also commiting murder and they will have been involved in the deaths of many more people than the inmates they are executing-does that then mean that they deserve to die for choosing a career that involves the killing of others? \nThe death penalty is in no way a deterrent (this is a statistical fact) to murder either and is purely a 'revenge' punishment.  \nIt is not up to anyone to take the life of another and after all who decides who lives and who dies for murder?  Some murder/rapists get life, and another one time murderer could get death. It is a decision that NO-ONE should be allowed to make and it is ALL about Governments having the ultimate control-Death Row Inmates can be put on SUICIDE WATCH if they are deemed 'at risk'.  By all means give them life in prison with a little less of the luxuries they currently receive, but we cannot choose and ponder over who lives and who dies.
25935
I would tell the inmate:\n\nYour parole officer should have some tips.  There are plenty of people who don't want you in prison rely on them and not on those who could care less. \n\nJust from a practical standpoint I don't want you in prison because you cost me money every day you are there.  Get out, get a job and earn your keep.  After all that is what you want to do anyway.  Sooner than you know it you will not have to check in with anyone and be a free man again.
8442
I say 4 years should be the ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM!!!  Just had this conversation over, if you can believe it, Christmas Dinner.  I had a Federal Prosecutor telling me how the system of appeals works.  What a load of crap.  There is no way a prisoner, especially today with DNA, should be on death row for 24 years.  By giving them a 3 years, that is long enough for their appeal ( which, as I was told, can take 3 to 4 years before it is brought before the appeals court ).  When a person is sentenced to death, they have ( if they want ) an automatic appeal.  Although I do not agree with the Prosecutor, he says PEOPLE DON'T CHANGE.  If not, why do we even keep them in jail or prison ... just kill all of them ( yes, I am being sarcastic ).
899997
It depends on what their sentence is.  That is up to the courts.  \nFor instance... i was put on probation for felony prescription fraud for 3 years with deferred adjudicaton.  However, after doing 1.5 years i petitioned the courts to grant early release based on my performance.  I was really serious (and still am) about leading the clean life and steering clear of trouble now, and my comm officer knew that.  \n\nUnfortunately, regardless of whether my sentence was deferred i still have to check "yes" in that little box that asks "have you ever been arrested?" on an employment form.  \n\nIt's a hard lesson learned that will follow me for the rest of my life.\n\nThe way i understand it is, i will have to wait another 5 years to have the "arrest" not show up anymore... if i am lucky... and that is a big if.\n\nMoral of the story... stay away from drugs.
333718
Wow!  People here sure are judgemental.  I bet that's only the case when it's not them in the hot-seat, though.  Anyways, you'll have to refer to the sentencing guidelines for when you were sentenced.  If you fail to participate in community service, which is a violation of your probation, they can place you in jail, and depending on the nature of your offense, either keep you there until your probation officer sees fit, or they can revoke your probation and re-sentence you which could mean you get to go to prison.  Then you'll have to worry about parole instead of just probation.  Either way, I'd say it's just easier to do the community service - or find someone to sign off on your community service hours to "say" you did it.  =)\n\nGood luck!
1017204
If you get a life sentence with a possibility of parole, then you can get out early. If you get a life sentence with no possibility of parole, then you serve the entire life sentence.\nPeople who do what the person you refer to did, should get the death penalty. I would be happy to be the executioner.