Unlike “mandatory lifers”, who can be released only if the governor grants a commutation, parolable lifers come within the parole board's jurisdiction after serving a period of years set by statute. ... The parole board asserts quite emphatically that “life means life”.

How long is a Michigan life sentence?

For virtually all serious crimes other than first-degree murder, Michigan judges have the option of imposing a life sentence or a term of years. A life term makes the person eligible for parole after serving either 10 or 15 years, depending on whether the offense occurred before or after Oct. 1, 1992.

How long is a life sentence in Arkansas?

For a conviction of an unclassified felony punishable by life imprisonment, a term of imprisonment not less than ten (10) years nor more than fifty (50) years, or life.