- Determinate: fixed term (e.g., 10 years); no parole, only post-release supervision.
- Indeterminate: range (e.g., 5–15 years); eligible for parole after minimum served.
Violent and major drug crimes = determinate. Non-violent = indeterminate.
Example: Murder 2nd = 15–25 years to life; Murder 1st = life without parole.
Type depends on crime classification under the NY Penal Law.