According to ABC News, former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin is asking a judge to sentence him to probation instead of the lengthy sentence recommended by the prosecution.
The sentencing memorandum filed on Wednesday cites Chauvin’s lack of criminal history, his previous employment as a police officer, and that he could be targeted in prison as the main factors for a reduced sentence or probation.
In a separate memorandum filed by the prosecution, they asked the judge for a 30-year sentence. They believe that would “properly account for the profound impact of [Chauvin’s] conduct on the victim, the victim’s family, and the community.”
Chauvin is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25 for the second-degree murder charge. He is facing up to 40 years in prison, but Minnesota sentencing guidelines recommend only 10 and a half to 15 years.
Judge Peter Cahill previously found that “aggravating factors” in the case would allow for him to sentence the former officer to a longer sentence. The four aggravating factors include acting as part of a group, committing a crime in front of a child, abusing his position, and acting with particular cruelty. The judge found it particularly cruel that Chauvin continued to kneel on George Floyd’s neck with indifference while Floyd begged for his life.
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