Derek Chauvin Sentenced to 22.5 Years In Prison

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The judge presiding over the Derek Chauvin case has sentenced the former Minneapolis Police Officer to 22 and a half years in prison for the murder of George Floyd.

Back in April, Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. 

In accordance with Minneapolis law, Chavin could have faced up to 40 years. In this case, the prosecution asked for 20 years while Chauvin's attorney asked for probation and time served.

Chauvin will be credited with 199 days of time served and will be kept in solitary confinement.

Prior to the sentencing hearing, Hennepin County District Court Judge Peter Cahill ruled that aggravating factors could be applied to the sentence -- thus increasing the possibiltiy for a longer sentence.

According to Judge Cahill, those factors were:

• Chauvin abused a position of trust and authority
• Chauvin treated George Floyd with "particular cruelty"
• Children were present during the crimes
• Chauvin committed the crime "as a group with the active participation of at least three other persons"

During the sentencing hearing, Chauvin only spoke briefly.

"I want to give my condolences to the Floyd family. There's going to be some other information in the future that would be of interest and I hope things will give you some peace of mind," said Chauvin.

After a short recess, Hennepin County District Court Judge Peter Cahill issued the sentence.