What does incarcerated indefinitely mean?

Asked by: Ms. Celia Halvorson  |  Last update: January 25, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (72 votes)

An indefinite sentence is when a judge doesn't say exactly how long someone will be in jail. It could be for a range of years, like 10 to 20 years. This is different from a definite sentence, which is when the judge says exactly how long someone will be in jail.

What does indefinitely mean legally?

Indefinitely means for an unlimited of an unspecified period of time; Sample 1.

Is incarcerated the same as being in jail?

While both jail and prison are used as a form of incarceration, jail is used more for people who are being held for a shorter amount of time. Often “short” refers to a misdemeanor conviction versus “long” which refers to a felony.

What is the meaning of indefinite detention?

Indefinite detention is the incarceration of an arrested person by a national government or law enforcement agency for an indefinite amount of time without a trial.

What are the differences between definite and indefinite sentencing?

A quick definition of definite sentence:

It is a specific amount of time that the person must spend in jail or prison. For example, if someone is given a definite sentence of 10 years, they will spend exactly 10 years in jail. This is different from an indefinite sentence, which does not have a specific end date.

Indefinite prison sentences are destroying lives

20 related questions found

What is the difference between a definite and indefinite sentence?

The definite article (the) is used before a noun to indicate that the identity of the noun is known to the reader. The indefinite article (a, an) is used before a noun that is general or when its identity is not known. There are certain situations in which a noun takes no article.

What is an example of an indefinite sentence?

An indefinite sentence is when a judge doesn't say exactly how long someone will be in jail. It could be for a range of years, like 10 to 20 years. This is different from a definite sentence, which is when the judge says exactly how long someone will be in jail.

What is an indefinite hold?

a : not certain in amount or length. We're stuck here for an indefinite period of time. Their plans have been put on indefinite hold.

What is the meaning of indefinite leave to remain?

Indefinite leave to remain is how you settle in the UK. It's also called 'settlement'. It gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you're eligible. You can use it to apply for British citizenship.

Is detention different from jail?

both detaining and incarcerating persons in Federal custody. Detention is the temporary holding of individu- als accused of Federal crimes or those awaiting sentencing or depor- tation. Incarceration is the long-term confinement of convicted and sentenced offenders.

Does incarcerated mean guilty?

Definition: Incarceration means putting someone in jail or prison as a punishment for breaking the law. This can happen if someone is found guilty of a crime or if they break the rules of their probation or parole.

Does incarcerated mean life?

A life sentence, at least in the states of Arizona and California, is actually a sentence of 25 years to life. This means at 25 years, the convict becomes eligible for parole, which may be denied.

What happens when you are incarcerated?

Upon arrival to a prison Reception Center, the incarcerated person must go through the reception and classification process. This could take up to 90 days. Once all the incarcerated person's case factors are reviewed he/she/they will be assigned a classification score.

How long does indefinitely last?

Indefinitely sort of literally means “until further notice”, but it's used in a way that says it will go until something makes it stop, which in most contexts means forever.

Does indefinitely mean yes or no?

(ɪndɛfɪnɪtli ) adverb [ADV with v] If a situation will continue indefinitely, it will continue forever or until someone decides to change it or end it. The visit has now been postponed indefinitely.

How long is indefinitely?

Indefinitely means unlimited or there is no time frame or ending set of an event.

What does it mean to leave indefinitely?

Indefinite Leave is: a) a general leave of absence without pay for an unspecified period of time; or b) an extension of Long Term Disability Leave (Article 17.2. 10) beyond three (3) years.

How many years is indefinite leave?

In most cases, the ILR application requires you to stay in the UK for 5 years continuously (e.g. Skilled Worker Visa, Spouse Visa). However, Global Talent Visa and Innovator Founder Visa enable applicants to apply for ILR after 3 years.

Can indefinite leave to remain be revoked?

The Secretary of State may revoke a person's indefinite leave if that person has ceased to be a refugee, or if they are the dependant of someone who has ceased to be a refugee, for one of the reasons set out in section 76(3) of the 2002 Act.

What does indefinitely mean in court?

A contract will be considered too indefinite if a court cannot discern from the terms the exact meaning (Court Opinions), decide if the terms have been breached, or fashion an appropriate remedy for breach of the contract.

What does indefinitely detained mean?

Under such a regime, people who have never committed a crime, or for whom the government lacks reliable evidence of criminal conduct, could be imprisoned indefinitely— perhaps for their entire lives—without charge or trial.

What is the full meaning of indefinite?

1. : not clear or fixed in meaning or details : vague. an indefinite answer. 2. : not certain or limited (as in amount or length)

How long is an indefinite sentence?

An indeterminate sentence is a type of custodial sentence that consists of a range of years (such as five to ten years) and not a fixed time, which means the convicted person's release date is left open.

What is a good sentence for indefinitely?

for a period of time with no fixed limit The trial was postponed indefinitely. Although we build things to last, we don't expect them to last indefinitely.

What are 5 examples of present indefinite sentence?

Examples of Present Indefinite Tense:
  • I write articles on different topics.
  • He reads various kinds of books.
  • They love to play football.
  • She prefers coffee to tea.
  • He goes to the library every day.
  • We come for shopping in this market.
  • We watch movies in this Cineplex.
  • You always shop in that market.