How many years are in a life sentence?

Answer 1

According to the Delaware Criminal Code, for the purposes of determining parole eligibility, a life sentence is to be considered a 45-year sentence. That did not mean a person was released when they completed the 45, just that parole was calculated based on that number (parole eligibility back then was one-third of the court imposed sentence less good time). Discretionary parole in Delaware was virtually eliminated by Truth in Sentencing back in 1990 for all future crimes, so a life sentence imposed by the court now is served without parole. A person sentenced to life as a habitual criminal; however, is serving a flat 45-year sentence and may be released when time served plus good time equals 45 years. To sum it up, today life means natural life without parole except for habitual offenders.

Answer 2

Canada:

Many people think that in Canada it is a 25 year sentence. They are dead wrong!

The Criminal Code of Canada states First Degree Murder is a LIFE sentence. This means you are in a Federal Prison for the rest of your life however you can apply for parole after 25 years.

Second Degree Murder is again LIFE in prison however you can apply for parole at 10, 15 and 25 years.

United States:

In the USA it is until you die.

Answer 3

In Maryland, a life sentence is equal to 30 years. A person who has been sentenced to life is usually eligible for parole at 15 years in Maryland.