Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

A life sentence means a person is sentenced to spend the rest of their natural life in prison. In Kansas and many other states, the exact meaning of “life sentence” can vary depending on the crime, the sentencing law in effect, and if parole is possible. Some life sentences allow for parole after a certain number of years, while others mean the person will never be released.

Types of Life Sentences

Not all life sentences are the same. Different types carry different timeframes and possibilities for release,

• Life with parole – The person may be eligible for parole after serving a mandatory number of years, often 15, 25, or 40 years, depending on the offense.
• Life without parole (LWOP) – The person is never eligible for release and must remain in prison until death.
• Hard 50 or Hard 25 – These are specific Kansas sentencing terms where parole is not possible for 50 or 25 years.

The type of life sentence given depends on the charge and any aggravating factors, such as prior convictions or the use of a weapon.

Life Sentence in Kansas

In Kansas, life sentences are often given for crimes such as,

• First-degree premeditated murder
• Capital murder
• Felony murder

For capital murder, the penalty is either life without parole or the death penalty. For premeditated murder, the sentence could be life with parole eligibility after 25 years, 50 years, or never, depending on aggravating factors and the court’s decision.

How Parole Works With a Life Sentence

When parole is allowed, the individual must serve the minimum years required before they can apply. For example, if someone is sentenced to life with the possibility of parole after 25 years, they must wait 25 years before they can request a parole hearing. Even then, parole is not guaranteed.

The parole board considers,

• The severity of the original crime
• Prison behavior and rehabilitation
• Statements from victims’ families
• Risk to public safety

Some individuals are denied parole repeatedly and may never be released, even with eligibility.

A life sentence is one of the most serious penalties in the criminal justice system. It can mean a person spends the rest of their life behind bars, or that they must serve several decades before having a chance at parole. The exact length depends on the charge, state law, and court decision. In cases where parole is possible, it still requires approval by the parole board and is never automatic.