25-years-to-life?

uh oh. I should consult a lawyer on this but, here's what I think is correct.

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspA sentence of twenty five to life means that the convicted person will serve a minimum of twenty five years before he can be considered for parole (release). After that time served, a paroles board reviews the prisoner's file to see if he can be a member of society again. If the board decides against the prisoner, he or she must wait another two years before asking to be reviewed again. Sentences are reviewed whether or not a prisoner requests review in order that there be some continuing record of the prisoner's progress or lack thereof.

&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbspA twenty five years to life prisoner might be released if there are extraordinary conditions, but it's rare. Berkowitz would have to be paroled from each of his six sentences and that would be very rare indeed, if in fact it has ever happened.


Lawyers??

Joe

The term 25-years to life indicates a range.

This construct with the word "to" is common. A job may be advertised with a salary of $50 to $60 thousand.

If someone is given a sentence of 25 years to life than theoretically (and I am avoiding a political sore spot here) he will serve at least 25 years and may spend up to life.

Of course with prison sentences, politics does enter and things are often controversial. There are often tricky legal wranglings about parole, good behavior etc.

But the fact that he was given 6 consecutive sentences says, to me at least, that he will be in prison for the rest of his life.

Thanks Joe and ebrown. I especially felt ebrown's explanation was so clear that broke up my confusion completely. :wink: