Why isn't a ''life sentence'' actually a life sentence?
Many states and the federal governments have what is called, "truth in sentencing." This means that the sentence the judge gives a defendant is the full sentence he/she serves. Maryland does NOT have truth in sentencing. The amount of time a defendant serves in jail is set by the Maryland Division of Corrections. It has established a general guideline that outlines the length of a sentence and how "good time" credits will affect the sentence served.