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Life imprisonment is a severe consequence for any criminal offence committed. In Australia, life imprisonment is a lengthy and complex sentence with varying degrees of severity. Knowing what to expect when facing a life sentence and how to support someone serving this sentence can be invaluable information for those affected. This blog will cover an overview of life imprisonment in Australia, the duration of a life sentence in Australia, and ways to support someone serving a life sentence.
Life imprisonment is one of the most severe sentences that can be imposed on an offender in Australia. It means the person convicted will serve their entire sentence incarcerated without the chance for early release or parole.
The court decides on the sentence’s length based on the crime’s severity and other factors, such as prior criminal history and mental health issues. A life prison term can range from 10 years (in some cases) up to 25 years or even life without parole (in more extreme cases).
If you believe you’re facing life imprisonment, call our criminal lawyers Sydney to organise a free consultation – (02) 8005 3075
Before 1999, there was no set maximum time limit for life sentences imposed in Australia; however, since then, all states have enacted laws setting maximum periods after which they must be reviewed by a judge or parole board.
In New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, these periods are 25 years. Tasmania has set it at 20 years and Queensland at 15 years. However, if someone is convicted of murder involving the murder of a police officer, then they are automatically sentenced to mandatory life without parole.
If you know someone who’s been sentenced to life imprisonment, it’s vital to maintain relationships with them both inside and outside prison walls as much as possible – visits if allowed by prison authorities, video calls if available or writing letters are all great ways to show them your support from afar.
Seeking help from relevant organisations such as legal aid services or prisoner advocacy groups can also be very beneficial so they don’t feel utterly isolated during incarceration. It’s also important not to forget about yourself – seek out counselling services if needed so you can process your feelings about the situation and look into any community resources available for children affected by having someone close to them imprisoned for life.
If you need to contact legal support, we’re available 24/7 to take your call – (02) 8005 3075
Life imprisonment in Australia is a severe sentence for those guilty of heinous crimes, such as murder or aggravated sexual assault. How long this sentence is, however, varies on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the jurisdiction, perpetrators may be required to serve lengthy periods behind bars or even receive a life sentence with no chance of parole – meaning they will spend the rest of their lives in prison.
Life sentences have, for centuries, been known as the maximum penalty for the most heinous of crimes; however, life in prison was not always a life sentence. Before 1999, life in Australia meant an average sentence of 13 years and reductions or commutations to life sentences were still possible pending on evidence against the offender and the quality of work carried out by their criminal defence lawyers.
That being said, a life sentence has now come to mean that offenders serve the rest of their life in prison unless granted special permission from higher authorities.
Life imprisonment is one of the most severe consequences that can be imposed on an offender in Australian law – it means that they will spend their entire sentence incarcerated without any chance for early release or parole.
To understand what this means for those affected, it’s essential to understand both its duration and ways to provide emotional support through visits, letters or other forms of communication when possible, as well as seeking help from relevant organisations where necessary so that those affected do not feel completely alone throughout this challenging period in their lives.
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