Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

Serving 85% of an 8-year sentence means the inmate will spend approximately 6 years and 9 months in custody before becoming eligible for release. This percentage is often applied under laws that require offenders to serve a specific portion of their sentence, commonly used for violent or serious felonies, to ensure they complete most of their time before parole or early release consideration.

Step-By-Step Calculation

Here’s how to calculate 85% of an 8-year sentence.

• Step 1 – Convert years into months for easier calculation.
  8 years × 12 months = 96 months
• Step 2 – Find 85% of 96 months.
  0.85 × 96 = 81.6 months
• Step 3 – Convert 81.6 months back into years.
  81.6 ÷ 12 = 6.8 years

Result – 85% of an 8-year sentence equals approximately 6 years and 9.6 months, or about 6 years and 9 months total time served.

Why 85 Percent Matters

Many states, including Kansas, have “85% laws” that apply to certain crimes, especially violent or serious felonies. Under these rules, offenders must serve at least 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole or early release. This law ensures that serious offenders serve most of their sentence, even if they exhibit good behavior while incarcerated.

Factors That Can Affect Release Time

While the 85% rule provides a baseline, other factors can influence how much time is actually served.

• Good time credits – Some states allow limited sentence reductions for good behavior or program participation, but not for offenses under the 85% rule.
• Parole eligibility – Inmates serving sentences not subject to mandatory minimums may be released earlier if they qualify for parole.
• Sentence enhancements – Additional charges or prior convictions can extend the total time served beyond 85% of the original term.

Example Of Application

If someone receives an 8-year sentence for a violent felony covered by the 85% rule, they must serve roughly 6 years and 9 months before being eligible for parole. Yet, they will likely serve the full 8 years if they violate prison rules, commit new offenses, or lose good time credits.