Former police officer, Derek Chauvin involved in George Floyd’s death, sentenced to prison for 21 years

The former police officer from Minneapolis, Derek Chauvin, would serve 252 months behind bars for taking away George Floyd’s civil rights and using excessive force. The sentence was passed by a Senior Judge of the US District Court, Paul Magnuson. However, deducting the seven months that Chauvin has already served, his current sentence stands at 245 months. While the prosecutors demanded a 25-year sentence and 5-year supervision after release, Chauvin’s attorney had asked for 20 years.

Speaking about the sentence, the Assistant Attorney General, Kristen Clarke, said that it should send a strong message of the Justice Department standing ready to prosecute even law enforcement officers for using brutal force without need. She added that no amount of sentencing could reverse the tragic results of Chauvin’s actions. The department hoped it would provide a small measure of justice to the victim’s family and community.

After agreeing with the prosecutors, Derek Chauvin pleaded guilty to all the charges of violating Floyd’s civil rights. However, if Chauvin had gone to trial, he might have been served a life sentence if convicted.


Chauvin also pled guilty to the charges of another case wherein he deprived a 14-year-old boy of his civil rights and used excessive violent force. The victim had filed a lawsuit against Chauvin and Minneapolis city.

In court, Chauvin addressed Floyd’s children, wishing them the best in life. He also added that he hoped the children get the best guidance in their life.

George Floyd’s brother, Philonise Floyd, was at Chauvin’s hearing. He asked the judge for the maximum possible sentence. He said he desired closure and wanted to know why Chauvin did what he did. Philonise also demanded an apology, but Chauvin didn’t mention it in his statement.

In 2021, Chauvin was sentenced to prison on the charges of second-degree unintentional murder, second-degree manslaughter, and third-degree murder. In May 2020, Chauvin was responsible for killing George Floyd, a black man. The assault was filmed and then went viral. It sparked a radical response against police brutality and racism in America. Besides Chauvin, three other police officers were found guilty of the crime. They were Thomas Lane, Tou Thao, and J. Alexander Keung. While Lane has pled guilty to all state charges, the other two trials will begin in October 2022