Prosecutors, Defense Wrangle Over Sentencing of Derek Chauvin

Prosecutors on Wednesday said they are seeking a 30-year sentence for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, while his defense attorney asked for less than the 15-year maximum in state sentencing guidelines or probation, reports the Wall Street Journal. Defense Attorney Eric Nelson continued to argue that Chauvin should be granted a retrial because of what he called prosecutorial and juror misconduct and errors by the judge, particularly in not granting a change of venue. Chauvin is expected to be sentenced June 25 after being found guilty in April of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

The maximum sentence for second-degree murder is 40 years, but state sentencing guidelines recommend up to 15 years for a person with no criminal history. Nelson had previously argued against the application of each of those factors, adding that Mr. Chauvin has a low risk of reoffending, had served as a police officer for 19 years and had community ties that would support him if released early or sentenced to time served and given probation. Prosecutors countered by saying that in light of the aggravating factors the judge found in the case, Mr. Chauvin should be sentenced to twice the upper end of the recommended range for his offender status, or 30 years.