Ever wondered how long is a life sentence?

Well, I know that is not typically the first thing you think about after waking up. But, think about it for one. Life is unpredictable as it is. And you get to lose all the freedom and end up getting locked up in prison for the entire time you are in this world!

Not the best feeling to have, right?

Well, I wish criminals would have had this thought before they went on to commit some of the most heinous crimes. Mass murder, child abuse, rape, terrorism— the list goes on.

Now, there’s something I want you to know. As a child, I used to think that a life sentence genuinely meant that you have to be in prison till the time you die. However, turns out that is not always the case.

If you also were of this opinion, then you are in for a treat (not technically but you get what I am saying!)

So, keep on reading this blog till the end and thank me later!

Key Terms Associated With Life Sentence

Before I begin this blog properly, I want you to take a look at some of these common terms that people use with any topic about “life imprisonment” or “life sentence.”

• Parole: Conditional release of the prisoner before their term for serving life imprisonment ends.
• Custodial Sentences: Sentences that involve detention in custody and imprisonment for the criminal.
• Suspended Sentences: The term of the prison is not immediately served but would be implemented in case of a repeat offense.
• Life Without Parole: The criminal will never be able to get a release and will have to serve their term.

How Long is a Life Sentence?

A life sentence is one of the many forms of capital punishment in the United States. It means the person is going to stay in prison for the rest of his life. But is that really the case? 

So, when it comes to the United States, a life sentence is one of the most severe forms of punishment that is present under the law. But, how long is a life sentence, really?

This is something that completely depends on the state you are living in. For example, when it comes to Texas, the term of serving a life imprisonment is around 40 years without parole. On the other hand, it is about 25 years in California.

So, when you think about the judge mentioning “10 years to life” it is what we know as an “indeterminate life sentence.” This means there is no guarantee that the criminal would actually be serving his/her entire life in prison. However, if the judge mentions LWOP or “life without a parole,” it is basically a sign that there is no way that the criminal would be coming out of jail before his death. This is a “determinate life sentence.”

What Happens When The Accused Receives Multiple Life Sentences?

I am sure you have often noticed or heard people getting multiple life sentences. This is generally because of the severity of the crime that they have caused.

Now, primarily when it comes to the United States, most of the states (NOT ALL) have a jurisdiction of 25 years being the full term of life imprisonment. This basically means that they need to serve 25 years for each life sentence.

So, what happens when you get three life sentences? Yes, you guessed it right. If someone has received three life sentences, he has to spend 25 x 3 = 75 years in prison before they can opt for parole.

If the judge feels that releasing the person back to the community could pose a potential threat, he may extend the life sentences.

Additionally, if he feels that the accused is not a danger to the community anymore, the judge can reduce the life sentences.

Longest Life Sentences Ever Received

These are the longest life sentences ever received by criminals. 

1. Charles Scott Robinson

• Prison Time Received: 30,000 years
• Country: The United States of America
• Crime Committed: Child Abuse

You must know the story of Charles Scott Robinson to know how long is a life sentence. He received six life sentences, each spanning 5000. He was convicted of sexual assault on a little girl who was only three years old. 

The judge of the court saw him as a threat to society and made sure he could never walk free again.   

2. Dudley Wayne Kyzer

• Prison Time Received: 10,000 (3 life sentences)
• Country: USA
• Crime Committed: Murder

Often referred to as a “born-killer,” Dudley Wayne Kyzer is one of the most dangerous serial killers that ever lived. He is responsible for killing his wife, his mother in law and an innocent college girl. 

He was originally sentenced to death by electric chair, but later, the sentence was reduced to life imprisonment with three life sentences, spanning more than 10,000 years. This perfectly answers the question of how long is a life sentence. 

3. Martin Bryant

• Prison Time Received: 1035 years (35 life sentences)
• Country: Australia
• Crime Committed: Mass Murder

Martin Byrant is an Australian mass murderer who is responsible for killing 35 people. He is one of the dangerous mass murderers that ever lived. 

His criminal activity led to what we now know as the infamous and tragic Port Arthur Massacre. He was sentenced to 1035 years in prison without the possibility of parole.

4. James Eagan Holmes

• Prison Time Received: 3318 years (12 life sentences)
• Country: The United States of America
• Crime Committed: Mass Murder 

The story of James Eagen Holmes will answer the question of how long is a life sentence. He is an American mass murderer who is also an Internet sensation, Colorado and Aurora back in 2012. 

You would be surprised to know that James Eagan Holmes walked in the middle of The Dark Knight Rises shooting. He gunned down a lot of members of the crew. He was responsible for gunning down 12 people and injuring 70 others. Also, he received life sentences for each of the victims killed.

5. Rene Lopez

• Prison Time Received: 1503 years.
• Country: The United States of America
• Crime Committed: Child Abuse  

Rene Lopez is one of the most notorious child abusers of all time. The court sentenced him to a prison term of 1503 years. It is one of the longest prison times ever served. He was sentenced to life on account of child abuse. 

In Fact, he has been sexually abusing his daughter for over four years. According to sources, his daughter was first abused by her friends. And when she went to Lopez, Lopez, instead of protecting her, abused her even further.

Your Legal Guide: Life Imprisonment Differs from Place to Place

In conclusion, when it comes to life imprisonment, it is basically a term that is used when the judge wants to put a criminal in jail for the rest of their lives.

However, the year of jail term usually depends on the country, the state, and the severity of crime.

In other words, while a criminal like Dudley Kyzer could be sentenced to 10,000 years in prison, Rene Lopez received a life sentence of 1503 years.

In normal situations, it is 25 years with the possibility of parole. However, the severity of the crimes dictates how long a life sentence is going to be.

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