Legal Definitions - indeterminate sentence

An indeterminate sentence is a type of custodial sentence where the convicted person is given a range of years to serve in prison, instead of a fixed time. For example, a sentence of five to ten years. The release date of the convicted person is not fixed, and it is left open.

After serving a certain amount of time in prison, the state parole board holds a hearing to determine whether the convicted person is eligible for parole. The idea behind an indeterminate sentence is that some prisoners may be rehabilitated while in prison, and those who show progress may be released on parole before serving their full sentence.

For example, if a person is sentenced to five to ten years in prison for a crime, they may be released on parole after serving five years if they have shown progress and are deemed eligible for parole by the state parole board.

Indeterminate sentences are different from determinant sentences, where the convicted person is given a fixed term of imprisonment.