If a criminal has been sentenced to "15 years to life", what does the "to-life"?

Question

part mean? Do they serve 15 years? Or do they serve a longer term?

Answer 1

They will serve a minimum of 15 years, but unless they are paroled after that, they could stay in jail until they die. They would not be eligible for release until after the 15 years had passed.

Answer 2

well 15 years to life means they can serve anything from 15, 16, 17, 18 19, 20 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and ect.( to 100) years in jail according to the crime

Answer 3

That means they were sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole at 15 years. They would serve anywhere between 15 years and life.

Answer 4

15 years to life in prison

Answer 5

In today's prison system, it means he'll be released in ten years

Answer 6

until he/she dies