Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

How long is a life term

There may be a special definition in your state, but the general definition is a sentence that runs until the person dies. The term "Life sentence without possibility of parole" means that there is no provision for the person to be released before the completion of their sentence. If the term "without possibility of parole" is not present, and if your state does not have any laws that say that a person sentenced to life is not eligible for early release under the parole laws, then a person may get out of prison before they die, on parole.

This message is provided to assist you in structuring your thoughts when you speak with an attorney about your situation. I am not your attorney, and you are not my client, so this is not legal advice. Legal advice can only be given after a careful interview of the client by the attorney, and I have not had the opportunity to understand the significant issues that I must understand to render legal advice. You should contact an attorney in your state to discuss your situation. That attorney can give you the advice that your situation deserves, after carefully considering the issues that are legally significant in your situation.