76,000 California inmates eligible for early release with increased good behavior credits

California has increased early release credits for some 76,000 inmates throughout the state to incentivize good behavior and participation in rehabilitation programs.

California has increased early release credits for some 76,000 inmates throughout the state to incentivize good behavior and participation in rehabilitation programs. More than 63,000 inmates convicted of violent crimes will be eligible for good behavior credits to shorten their sentence by one-third, instead of the one-fifth rule that was in place since 2017, the Associated Press reported. Nearly 20,000 inmates who are serving life sentences with the possibility of parole will also be eligible for the credits. Over 10,000 inmates convicted of a second serious but nonviolent offense will be eligible for release after serving half their life sentences -- an increase from the current time-served credit of one-third of their sentence.