life with the possibility of parole
Life with the possibility of parole is a prison sentence in which a convicted individual may request parole after a minimum number of years of incarceration. Life with the possibility of parole is an indeterminate term because a person may or may not be imprisoned indefinitely. The minimum number of years in prison before an individual may apply for parole varies by jurisdiction. For example, in California, a person must serve at least 7 years or the minimum time required by an applicable statute to their original crime. See: Cal. Penal Code § 3046. Additionally, parole is not guaranteed. A parole board, or group that reviews parole requests, can deny a prisoner’s request for parole if they find the prisoner is still a danger to society based on relevant facts and circumstances. However, if parole is granted, the former prisoner will be released from prison under court supervision and must follow the terms mandated by the court or risk returning to prison for violating their parole. Life with the possibility of parole is different from life without the possibility of parole because the latter does provide any opportunity for release.
[Last reviewed in July of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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