LANSING, MI (WOWO) Michigan Prison sentences are increasing in length – adding strain to an already stressed system.

The Lead Off

• The Michigan Sentencing Commission met for the first time in nearly three decades as officials review growing prison sentence lengths.
• State data shows average minimum prison sentences have increased 30% since 2014.
• Lawmakers reinstated the commission in 2024 to evaluate sentencing guidelines and recommend possible reforms.

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (WOWO) Michigan officials are reviewing prison sentencing policies after newly released data shows average minimum sentences have increased significantly over the past decade, contributing to concerns about prison capacity and consistency in sentencing.

Commission reconvenes after nearly 30 years

The Michigan Sentencing Commission convened this month for the first time in nearly 30 years following its reinstatement by lawmakers in 2024.

The 15-member panel includes current and former legislators, judges, attorneys and criminal justice experts. It is tasked with reviewing sentencing data and making recommendations for possible changes to state sentencing laws.

The original commission was created in 1994 and met from 1995 through 1997 before developing felony sentencing guidelines that were enacted in 1998. It was later disbanded.

Judge Christopher Yates, who chairs the revived commission, said the group’s purpose is to bring updated research into how sentencing is being applied across the state.

“It’s in everybody’s best interest if the judge has a good, working understanding of what a reasonable sentence is in a case, for every offense, for every offender,” Yates said.

“It’s very important for prosecutors … and it’s especially important for people coming through the criminal justice system that their attorneys can give them accurate advice on what their exposure is if they go to trial and what their exposure is if they get a plea offer,” he added.

Rising sentences and prison population concerns

According to a report from the Crime and Justice Institute, the average minimum prison sentence in Michigan increased from about nine years in 2014 to about 12 years in 2023, a 30% rise.

The report also found that the share of incarcerated individuals serving minimum sentences of 10 years or more grew from 55% to 65% during the same period.

Meanwhile, the proportion of people serving minimum sentences of two years or less declined from 21% to 14%.

Researchers noted that drug-related and assaultive offenses account for a large share of prison sentences. The average minimum sentence for drug offenses increased by 33% between 2014 and 2023, while assaultive offenses rose by about 3%.

Calls for data-driven reform

Advocates and researchers say the commission could play a role in reducing inconsistencies and improving transparency in sentencing practices.

Maura McNamara, deputy director of the Crime and Justice Institute, said similar commissions in other states have helped guide reforms using data-driven analysis.

“We’ve seen it be really effective in other states where … having an objective group who are really involved in different disciplines, being able to drive change from this place of using data, research and objectivity rather than it being a really polarizing political conversation,” McNamara said.

Michigan is among 21 states with a sentencing commission, according to the National Association of Sentencing Commissions.

Kate McCracken, executive director of Safe & Just Michigan, said sentencing outcomes can vary widely depending on jurisdiction.

“One of the more frequent criticisms of the justice system is that its sentencing structure often appears confusing and nonsensical,” McCracken said. “Two different people convicted of the same offense under similar circumstances can receive wildly different sentences depending on which county they are sentenced.”

The Takeaway

Commission resumes long-dormant review of sentencing

The Michigan Sentencing Commission has reconvened for the first time in nearly 30 years after being reinstated in 2024 to evaluate sentencing laws and make recommendations based on data.

State data shows longer prison terms over time

A report from the Crime and Justice Institute found the average minimum prison sentence in Michigan has increased 30% since 2014, with a growing share of inmates serving 10 years or more.

Reform discussions focus on consistency and capacity

Officials and advocates say the commission’s work could help address sentencing disparities and prison system pressures, with further recommendations expected as its review continues.