Hoping someone can answer my question. My penpal is serving a life sentence, but the information states her earliest release date is 2007 and her latest release date is 2027. She's already served 11 years. Why is it called a life sentence if there is an earliest and latest release date?

I believe "natural" life is a max of 35 or so years. but i am not for sure on this..
Anyone know for sure?

Ask him, because that is so revolving that it changes with the seasons, and places, he'll tell you. There is Life, and one day, meaning you won't be getting out, there is Natural-Life, which was suppose to mean you weren't getting out, there was Life without Parole, and just Life, real thinkers those freaks.But, change is good thru commutations.Hope I gave you at least a little Idea, on whats out there.Bye, fer now.

Re:info....earlist release date is when someone is eligable for parole, that doesn't mean they will be granted parole, just the earliest they will be considered for it. The latest release date is when they will "max" out, meaning the longest they will serve until released. Life w/parole in Georgia is consideration in 7 years but the trend is the parole board sets that date off and will reconsider after another 8 years (usual time served is 20 - 25 years, unless a drug offense)hope that helps.

Sentencing guidelines vary by State, as you can see from georgiaoutlaw's post.

LIFE means basically two different things. Life with the possibility of parole; Life without parole.

Life with parole, means that when (according to the State's sentencing guidelines) the inmate reaches that level of eligibility for parole, they are then considered for release - won't necessarily mean they WILL be released on parole, though.

Life without parole, means exactly that. They will be in prison until their natural life has expired. It is somewhat short of the Death Penalty, but they will die a natural death (hopefully) in prison.

Thank you for responding to my question.