How many years can a criminal's sentence be commuted if he cannot be commuted immediately once he enters prison?
During the period of execution, the sentence may be commuted according to the circumstances. According to Article 78 of the Criminal Law, if a criminal sentenced to public surveillance, criminal detention, fixed-term imprisonment or life imprisonment conscientiously observes prison regulations, accepts education and reform, and shows true repentance or performs meritorious service during the period of execution, his sentence may be commuted; The sentence shall be commuted for those who have performed one of the following major meritorious deeds: (1) preventing others from committing major criminal activities; （2） Reporting major criminal activities inside and outside the prison, which are verified through investigation; （3） Having inventions, creations or major technological innovations; （4） Sacrificing oneself to save others in daily production and life; （5） Outstanding performance in resisting natural disasters or eliminating major accidents; （6） Having made other significant contributions to the country and society. The term actually executed after commutation of a sentence may not be less than the following: (1) If a sentence of public surveillance, criminal detention or fixed-term imprisonment is imposed, it may not be less than half of the original sentence; （2） If life imprisonment is imposed, it shall not be less than 13 years; （3） If a criminal whose death sentence is suspended by a people's court in accordance with the provisions of the second paragraph of Article 50 of this Law and whose commutation of sentence is restricted, he shall be commuted to life imprisonment according to law after the expiration of the suspension of execution, he shall not be less than twenty-five years; if he is commuted to twenty-five years' fixed-term imprisonment according to law after the expiration of the suspension of execution, he shall not be less than twenty years. Is there anything you don't understand?
