Derek Chauvin sentenced to 22 1/2 years for the death of George Floyd

photo credit: AP

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been sentenced to 22-and-a-half years in prison for the death of George Floyd, with 199 days credit for time already served.

Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter for pressing his knee against Floyd’s neck for up to nine-and-a-half minutes.

Minnesota sentencing guidelines called for 12-and-a-half years. Judge Peter Cahill agreed with prosecutors ahead of Friday’s sentencing that there were aggravating circumstances that could justify a heavier punishment.

With good behavior, Chauvin could get out on parole after serving about two-thirds of his sentence, or about 15 years.