Derek Chauvin Will Learn His Fate Today

Former Minneapolis officer could be sentenced to decades in prison
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 25, 2021 5:09 AM CDT
Chauvin Might Speak at Sentencing Hearing
A memorial at site where George Floyd was killed by Derek Chauvin is seen Thursday, June 24, 2021, in Minneapolis.   (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Derek Chauvin will be sentenced Friday for the murder of George Floyd—and while the former Minneapolis police officer remained silent during his trial, he will have an opportunity to speak before the sentence is delivered. Members of Floyd's family will have the opportunity to give victim impact statements, CNN reports. Chauvin was convicted in April of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter but under Minneapolis law, he will be sentenced only on the most serious charge, which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years, reports the AP. Prosecutors, citing aggravating factors including the abuse of authority, have asked for 30 years, more than double the recommended maximum under state sentencing guidelines for somebody with no criminal history.

Chauvin defense attorney Eric Nelson has argued he should be sentenced only to time served and probation, though that outcome is extremely unlikely. The 45-year-old will be sentenced by Judge Peter Cahill, who oversaw his trial and ruled that prosecutors had proven four of out five aggravating factors. It's very rare for an officer to be convicted with murder in connection with an on-duty killing and rarer still for one to receive a harsh sentence, but analysts believe Chauvin will be the exception. Chauvin's trial "has seen enormous attention and public outcry, and given the verdict came down quickly on all counts, I expect the judge will sentence Chauvin consistent with that outcry and outcome," attorney Christopher Brown, who specializes in excessive force cases, tells NBC. (More Derek Chauvin stories.)

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