Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

When someone must serve 85% of a 7-year sentence, it means they are required to complete most of their prison time before becoming eligible for release or parole. Many states, including Kansas, use the “85% rule” for violent or serious felonies to ensure offenders serve the majority of their sentence before early release is considered.

How To Calculate 85 Percent

To find 85% of a 7-year sentence, you multiply the total sentence by 0.85. This gives the exact time the person must serve before they can qualify for parole or good-time credits.

• 7 years × 0.85 = 5.95 years
• 5.95 years = about 5 years and 11 months

This means the inmate must serve roughly 5 years and 11 months in custody before they can be considered for release, assuming they maintain good behavior and meet all institutional requirements.

Why The 85 Percent Rule Exists

The 85% rule was designed to ensure that offenders convicted of violent or serious crimes serve most of their sentence. It limits early release opportunities and increases accountability for repeat or dangerous offenders. The rule applies in both state and federal systems for qualifying crimes.

• Increases public safety – Ensures more consistent sentencing for violent crimes.
• Limits early parole – Reduces the amount of “good time” that can shorten prison terms.
• Applies to specific offenses – Not all crimes require 85% service; nonviolent offenders may serve less.

When Inmates Might Serve Less

Some inmates may serve slightly less than 85% due to jail credit, sentence adjustments, or changes made by the court. However, those under mandatory 85% laws must complete nearly all of their term before any consideration for early release.

• Jail credit – Time spent in custody before sentencing counts toward total time served.
• Sentence reductions – May apply if the court modifies the sentence or offers credit for specific programs.
• Parole eligibility – Begins only after the 85% threshold is met for qualifying offenses.

Serving 85% of a 7-year sentence equals about 5 years and 11 months in prison. The 85% rule ensures offenders serve most of their sentence, especially for serious or violent crimes, before being eligible for parole or early release consideration.