Opinion ID: 1532443
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 18

Heading: Jackson Controls Evans

Text: We have concluded that the cases of Jackson and Crosby were both decided correctly. We have also determined that Evans is controlled by Jackson rather than Crosby. Evans' life sentence was  like Jackson's life sentence  a natural life sentence with the possibility of parole. Evans' life sentence was not  like Crosby's life sentence  equivalent to a fixed term of forty-five years. In deciding to reconsider this matter, we asked the State to produce copies of Evans' records at the Department of Correction. Evans' records confirm that his sentence was for life with the possibility of parole. When Evans was originally sentenced, his records at the Department of Correction read: sentence  life; release  death; and parole eligibility  eleven years five months nine days. The Department of Correction records reflect that Evans' status has always been consistent with our interpretation of the applicable sentencing statutes in Jackson. Evans' release date was death, unless he was granted parole. For purposes of parole eligibility only, Evans' life sentence was computed as a term of forty-five years. Evans was eligible for parole after serving one third of forty-five years and could accelerate his parole eligibility date by earning good time credit. [100] When Evans was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole, the statutory sentencing system did not permit Evans to be released prior to his death  unless parole was granted. Similarly, good time credits only applied to Evans' natural life sentence for purposes of accelerating Evans' parole eligibility date. Accordingly, we hold that Evans  like Jackson  is not eligible for conditional release and must remain incarcerated until his death, unless he is granted parole. [101]