Virtual life sentences are those that typically amount to life imprisonment, 50 years or more but are not statutorily defined as such. In the US, 44,311 people are serving virtual life sentences.
States with particularly large segments of the population serving virtual life sentences are Alaska, Indiana, Louisiana, Montana, and New Mexico, ranging from 9-17% of the state prison population. In 9 states (Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, and Texas, as well as the federal system,) at least 1,000 people are serving virtual life sentences.
Alaska is the only state that does not statutorily allow life sentences, either with or without parole, however, 9% of its prison population is serving a virtual life sentence, accounting for 1 out of every 12 prisoners.
Crime of Conviction
85% of the virtual life population has been convicted of a violent crime. Significant numbers have also been convicted of nonviolent offenses. In New York and Ohio, more than 10% have been convicted of a property crime. In Arkansas, Mississippi, Idaho, and Iowa, more than 10 % of virtual life sentences are the result of a drug charge.
Race
POC make up the largest share of virtual life sentences: 55% African American, 34% white, 12% Hispanic. More than half of those serving virtual life sentences are African American. In 6 states (Maryland, Mississippi, Louisiana, Illinois, South Carolina, and Minnesota,) more than ⅔ of those serving virtual life sentences are African American.