What is life sentence with parole?

You will be in jail for the rest of your life with a chance of parole.

When a person receives an indeterminate life sentence (7-to-life, 15-to-life, 25-to-life, etc.), that person may spend his or her life in prison. However, once 2/3 of the base sentence (7, 15, 25, etc.) is served, the inmate can try to parole. In California, parole is determined through a hearing. At the hearing, an inmate must prove that he or she is not currently dangerous to the free community. Two commissioners preside at the hearing. If the agree that the inmate is not dangerous, they can grant parole. The governor must then approve the commissioners' decision.