How many years will Derek Chauvin be sentenced for? The maximum time George Floyd killer could go to prison for
Update: The date for Minneapolis ex-police officer Derek Chauvin's sentencing has been set to June 16, a Minnesota court said on April 23. Chauvin’s attorneys will have 60 days to appeal the outcome. Chauvin’s sentencing will take place at 1:30 p.m. CT, according to the court schedule.
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Millions across the world rejoiced as former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was pronounced guilty on all counts in the murder of George Floyd. The verdict of the sequestered jury was welcomed with relief and rejoicing by the masses who believed that justice was finally served to Floyd and his family.
The 45-year-old was accused of killing Floyd around a year ago when the former cop kneeled on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes as the latter gasped for breath. The brutal incident, which was captured on camera, sparked massive outrage across the USA and the world and triggered the 'Black Lives Matter' movement. Floyd's death was deemed to be one of the worst cases of racial brutality by American police. Read on to find out more details about the charges against Chauvin and his sentencing.
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What were the charges on which Chauvin was found guilty?
Chauvin has been pronounced guilty in all the charges against him in the murder of Floyd. He was facing three charges, namely, second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd. He was found guilty in both the murder charges as well as the charge of manslaughter.
What is the second-degree unintentional murder charge?
The second-degree unintentional murder charge alleged Chauvin caused Floyd's death "without intent" while committing or attempting to commit felony third-degree assault.
What is third-degree murder?
The term is defined as the intentional infliction of substantial bodily harm. This charge alleged Chauvin caused Floyd's death by "perpetrating an act eminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind, without regard for human life."
What is second-degree manslaughter charge?
This charge alleged Chauvin caused Floyd's death by "culpable negligence whereby the person creates an unreasonable risk, and consciously takes chances of causing death or great bodily harm."
How many years will Derek Chauvin be sentenced for?
The conviction in second-degree murder can result in up to 40 years in prison, while third-degree murder can lead to 25 years of imprisonment. His additional conviction in second-degree manslaughter can result in a maximum of 10 years of prison. In total, Chauvin might be sentenced to up to 75 years in prison at the maximum.
His sentencing has been scheduled for eight weeks later. The date and time of the sentencing hearing are yet to be confirmed by the court. Meanwhile, Chauvin's bail was revoked by the judge and he was remanded into police custody until his sentencing. The live stream of the trial from the courtroom showed a visibly bewildered Chauvin being handcuffed and escorted off the court by the police.
According to The Independent, for someone like Chauvin with no prior criminal record, the sentence for each of the two murder charges is around 12.5 years under Minnesota state law. However, it is believed that the penalty might be stricter in Chauvin's case since the murder happened in the presence of children and Chauvin exercised 'particular cruelty' towards Floyd. In fact, the state has suggested an extended sentence since Chauvin was abusing his position of authority.