“25 to life” is an expression that you may have seen before, perhaps with a different number. It’s the sort of expression that might be completely confusing to you if you have no context. This article will properly explain what “25 to life” means so you can use it.
What Does “25 to Life” Mean?
“25 to life” is an expression used to describe a life sentence given to an inmate of a prison. When the sentence is “25 to life”, it means that they will have a chance at parole after 25 years. However, they also might spend their life in prison.
If someone’s sentence is “25 to life”, that means that it’s a life sentence. This is because the only guarantee this sentence has is that their actual sentence implies spending life in prison.
After the 25 years have passed, then there is a chance that they will be released conditionally. However, this isn’t guaranteed.
Here are some example sentences to help you see what “25 to life” means:
- My sentence was 25 to life, and so after 25 years I was released on parole.
- Even though her sentence was 20 to life, she was actually never released.
- Yes, your sentence is a 30 to life, but it’s still very much a life sentence.
- It’s just a 15 to life, but you’ll still spend at least 15 years in prison.
How Long Is a Life Sentence?
A life sentence means that the sentence will last for the rest of the person’s life, and they’ll spend that time in prison. A life sentence does not mean 25 years. “25 to life” implies that after 25 years, there is a small chance they will get released on parole.
Life sentences in the United States are still for a lifetime, but you also have “indeterminate life sentences”. These are sentences that have a chance of being abridged, and releasing the person on parole.
“25 to life” is an example of an indeterminate life sentence. In California, most prisoners with a life sentence have a “determinate” one. This means that their life sentences have no chance of parole.
Why a Sentence Is 25 to Life
When someone is committed for a violent crime, they tend to get a lot of prison time. The idea behind “25 to life” is that after 25 years, the person will have changed. Therefore, instead of spending more time in prison, they could be released after just 25 years.
A “25 to life” is no guarantee that the person will actually get parole after the minimum time. However, for many prisoners, it’s at the very least a sliver of hope.
What Crimes Give You 25 to Life?
Based on US law, many crimes can give you a 25 to life. Dr*g trafficking, firearm offenses, r*pe, armed robbery, extortion and racketeering are just a few examples. It bears mentioning that all murder chargers have life sentences, but these rarely have the possibility of parole.
Conclusion
“25 to life” refers to someone having to spend at least 25 years in prison until they are released. They might not get released necessarily, as it is still a life sentence, but it’s a possibility. A life sentence with the possibility of parole is called an “indeterminate life sentence”.
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
