Introduction :- Consecutive Life-Sentences
Consecutive Life-Sentences : Back-to-back life sentences are when a defendant receives two or more consecutive life terms. A criminal who receives a life sentence must serve 15 to 25 years in jail before becoming eligible for release.
The severity of the offense and the court’s jurisdiction determine the defendant’s punishment. People who have behaved well are typically granted parole. Parole is an option, but it does not ensure freedom.
When the defendant commits two or more crimes, they are given consecutive life terms. The number of years until a defendant is eligible for parole would increase as a result of combining numerous sentences.
The rationale and need of giving a person a successive life sentence are frequently questioned.
The phrase “life imprisonment” suggests that a criminal will remain behind bars during their whole life. A prisoner serving a life sentence will not be allowed to leave their cell as long as they are alive in order to protect the public from any threat they may pose to society.
What is Consecutive Life-Sentence?
Many people ponder whether giving a person a consecutive life sentence is necessary and what good it does. The phrase “life imprisonment” suggests that the offender will remain in jail for the remainder of their natural life. A person who has been given a life sentence will be kept in solitary confinement as long as they are alive to protect the public from any danger they may pose to society.
A subsequent life sentence appears unnecessary because of this. People frequently ponder how a criminal may serve more than one life sentence as the word “life sentence” implies that a criminal would be imprisoned until they pass away.
It’s critical to comprehend the characteristics of life imprisonment in order to comprehend why judges sentence criminals to a consecutive life sentence. A criminal is given a second life sentence after serving out the previous one, which is known as a consecutive life sentence.
![Consecutive Life-Sentences](https://legallyspeaking.world/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Consecutive-Life-Sentences-min.png)
Even though it may sound silly, looking at the data and statistics on life in prison will make it easier for someone to see why a consecutive life sentence is necessary.
The phrase “life imprisonment” is frequently false and misleading. Contrary to common assumption, a life sentence does not always entail that the offender will live out their days in prison. When a court sentences a criminal to life in prison, he or she must also decide whether the prisoner qualifies for parole without the possibility of release.
A felon will, however, frequently be given the chance to apply for parole. In several places, like Alaska and New Mexico, a criminal cannot get a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Consequently, it is conceivable for a killer to return to the streets and threaten local residents.
A dangerous offender will be kept behind bars longer if they are given a consecutive life sentence.
When a person is sentenced to life in prison, they typically have between fifteen and twenty years to complete their term before becoming eligible for release. Those who received consecutive life sentences must spend an additional twenty years before being considered for release, for a total of forty years before their case may be reviewed for parole.
A prisoner who receives several life sentences won’t be eligible for parole and won’t be allowed to leave the community.
Conclusion
Each offense that calls for a life sentence will often result in a life sentence being imposed on the perpetrator. Therefore, if a criminal is found guilty of three murders, they might each receive a life sentence.
Because the culprit has been punished for each distinct crime they have done, many people think that handing a convict repeated life terms comforts the victim’s family members. Multiple life sentences are frequently quite advantageous and comforting in this regard.
A convicted person may challenge their sentence. In order to guarantee that the offender serves a lengthy period of time in prison, additional life sentences have been granted in the event that one of the life sentences is overturned during the appeals process. The seriousness and breadth of the offender’s offenses are further highlighted by a consecutive life sentence.
References
- What are Consecutive Life Sentences? | Criminal Law, Defense, Records, Felony, Misdemeanor (laws.com)
- back-to-back life sentences | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute (cornell.edu)
- What Does a “Life Sentence” Mean? How Long is a Life Sentence? | Nolo