Legal Definitions - lifer

Lifer

A "lifer" is an informal term used to describe an individual who has been sentenced to prison for a term that is expected to last for the remainder of their natural life. This typically refers to a "life sentence," which may or may not include the possibility of parole after a significant period. The term emphasizes the long-term, often permanent, nature of their incarceration.

Here are some examples:

• A defendant is convicted of first-degree murder in a state where such a conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

  This individual is considered a "lifer" because their sentence explicitly dictates they will remain incarcerated for the rest of their natural life, with no legal mechanism for release.

• Under a state's "three strikes" law, an individual with two prior serious felony convictions commits a third felony, resulting in a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life. The individual is 60 years old at the time of sentencing.

  Although parole is technically possible after 25 years, given the individual's age and the lengthy minimum term, it is highly probable they will die in prison. Therefore, they are commonly referred to as a "lifer" due to the practical certainty of lifelong incarceration.

• An inmate has served 30 years of an indeterminate life sentence for a crime committed decades ago. Despite multiple parole hearings, they have consistently been denied release due to the severity of their original offense and ongoing concerns about rehabilitation.

  Even though parole is theoretically an option, the continuous denials and the extensive time already served mean this individual is effectively serving a life sentence and is thus considered a "lifer" within the prison system, reflecting the expectation that they will likely die in custody.