The "maximum sentence" thing is mostly there for intimidation. The news goes along with it because it's simple and easy, rather than because it's what really ha

The "maximum sentence" thing is mostly there for intimidation. The news goes along with it because it's simple and easy, rather than because it's what really happens. The reality is that there's a complex algorithm that judges are required to use that determines the actual length of the sentence. Various factors are each worth a certain number of points, then the points are converted into time in prison.