Why isn a “life sentence” actually a life sentence?
Many State’s and Federal Governments have what is called, “truth in sentencing.” This means that the sentence the Judge gives a defendant is the full sentence he/she serves. Maryland does NOT have “truth in sentencing.” The amount of time a defendant serves in jail is set by the Maryland Division of Corrections. It has established a general guideline that outlines the length of a sentence and how “good time” credits will effect the sentence served.
