You write: "For example, convicts serving a 10-year sentence in Israel for crimes committed in the U.S. may be paroled for good behavior after having served two-thirds of their sentence. In the U.S., the law stipulates convicts can only apply for early release after serving a minimum 85% of their terms."
The minimum 85% figure is accurate for the federal system, but each state has its own rules. In California, for example, the minimum is 50% for non violent crimes, such as drug and property related offenses. For violent crimes the minimum is 85%. On life sentences, there is a minimum which must be served before eligibility for parole consideration (15 years second degree murder and 25 years for first degree, premeditated and deliberate, murder); however, no one is released anywhere near their first parole eligibility date. For murders occurring during the commission of certain crimes or under special circumstances, the punishment is life without the possibility of parole. |
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