Derek Chauvin's Possible Prison Sentence: What To Know

MINNEAPOLIS — Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted Tuesday of second and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Judge Peter Cahill said Chauvin will be sentenced in June.

Chauvin has opted to have Cahill — and not the jury in his case — determine his prison sentence.

Here are the maximum prison sentences for each of the three offenses in Minnesota:

• 2nd-degree murder: 40 years max
• 3rd-degree murder: 25 years max
• 2nd-degree manslaughter: 10 years max

Chauvin's sentences will run concurrently, meaning at most he will spend 40 years in prison.

Under Minnesota sentencing guidelines, Chauvin should receive a sentence of 12.5 years, because he has never before been convicted of a crime. However, the state prosecutors argue that Chauvin should receive an "upward departure" because of aggravating factors in the case.

According to the prosecutors, the aggravating factors include:

• Floyd's death happened in front of children
• Floyd was treated with "particular cruelty" by Chauvin because he was in handcuffs
• Chauvin abused his position of authority as a Minneapolis police officer

It will be up to Cahill to determine the aggravating factors that apply in Chauvin's case.

Also read:

• Chauvin In 'Administrative Segregation' At MN Prison: Report
• Here's How The Police Initially Described George Floyd's Death