<Li> Many states have mandatory sentencing statutes which remove the judge's discretion under certain circumstances . Mandatory sentencing schemes typically require minimum periods of incarceration for certain serious crimes and for individuals who have serious criminal records . The state typically has discretion to pursue or waive mandatory sentencing . The content of these mandatory sentencing statutes and the procedures required to bring them into play are different in each state . </Li> <Li> Some states have parole or early release from incarceration, while others do not . Many states have forms of punishment that are less severe than incarceration (such as probation, time in a halfway house, community service, or house arrest), but the exact form of these punishments, as well as which people can be sentenced under such alternatives, varies from state to state . </Li> <P> Some prisoners are given life sentences . In some states, a life sentence means life, without the possibility of parole . In other states, people with life sentences are eligible for parole . In some cases, the death penalty may be applicable; however, since the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Ring v. Arizona, a recommendation of the trial jury is required to impose a sentence of death . </P> <Ul> <Li> However, as one can be sentenced to life without parole, another way to be sentenced for life in prison is a minimum number of years spent in jail depending on the life expectancy of the prisoner . Thus the prisoner will then spend the rest of his or her life in prison . </Li> </Ul>

How long is life in prison in washington state