Is Derek Chauvin Still in Prison? Sentences, Custody, Transfers & What to Watch

By US Prison Guide News Desk ·

Key Facts at a Glance

  • Current status: Incarcerated. Derek Chauvin remains imprisoned.
  • Sentences: 22½ years (Minnesota state) for murder/manslaughter of George Floyd; 21 years (federal) for civil-rights violations — served concurrently.
  • Where: FCI Big Spring, a low-security federal prison in Texas (following earlier placement at FCI Tucson, AZ).
  • Notable incident: Stabbed by another inmate in Nov 2023; survived and was later transferred.

The Complete List of Convictions & Prison Terms

Understanding Chauvin’s status starts with the offences and how the sentences interact:

  • Minnesota (state): Convicted in April 2021 of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in George Floyd’s death. In June 2021, the court imposed a 22½-year state sentence.
  • Federal: In July 2022, sentenced to 21 years for violating Floyd’s civil rights (and a separate, earlier incident), to run concurrently with the state term.

Current Location & Key Custody Events

Chauvin’s custody path has included several transfers and one major safety incident:

  • 2021–2022: Initially held by Minnesota DOC (OPH/Oak Park Heights) after conviction.
  • Aug 2022: Transferred to FCI Tucson (federal custody) while serving concurrent terms.
  • Nov 2023: Stabbed 22 times by another inmate at FCI Tucson; survived after emergency care.
  • Aug 2024 → present: Moved to FCI Big Spring, Texas (low-security) where he continues to serve his time.

Status of Being “in Jail/Prison” — What Concurrent Sentences Mean

Chauvin is in federal custody while his state and federal terms run together. In practice, the operative length is driven by the longer term and any credits that may apply under law and Bureau of Prisons policies. Transfers between facilities do not change the underlying obligation to serve the sentences unless a court modifies them.

Appeals, Motions & Recent Updates

Chauvin has pursued post-conviction avenues (including federal motions and evidence access requests). To date, none has resulted in release or a reduced term. Courts have allowed certain testing and discovery steps while maintaining the convictions and concurrent-sentence framework.

Reporter’s Observations & Context

The 2020 murder of George Floyd prompted global protest and reform debates. Within prison, the Nov 2023 stabbing underscored risks to high-profile inmates. Policy discussions continue about facility placements, protective custody and resourcing for institutions housing notorious prisoners.

Timeline: Key Dates
  • Apr 2021: State convictions for murder/manslaughter.
  • Jun 2021: State sentence: 22½ years.
  • Jul 2022: Federal sentence: 21 years (concurrent).
  • Aug 2022: Transfer to FCI Tucson.
  • Nov 2023: Stabbed by inmate; survives.
  • Aug 2024: Transfer to FCI Big Spring, Texas (current).

Bottom Line

Derek Chauvin remains imprisoned. He is currently housed at FCI Big Spring (TX), serving concurrent Minnesota and federal sentences arising from the murder of George Floyd and associated civil-rights violations. No credible, official reporting indicates imminent release.

Editor’s Note on Sources

This explainer consolidates court and correctional records and widely reported updates (including transfers, the 2023 stabbing, and post-conviction motions) current to the publication date.

FAQs: Derek Chauvin’s Prison Status

Is Derek Chauvin still in prison?
Yes. He remains incarcerated, serving state and federal sentences concurrently.
Where is he now?
At FCI Big Spring, a low-security federal prison in Texas, following an earlier placement at FCI Tucson, Arizona.
How long is his sentence?
22½ years (state) and 21 years (federal), running concurrently. Actual time served depends on applicable law and credit policies.
Was he attacked in prison?
Yes. In November 2023 he was stabbed by another inmate, survived, and was later transferred.
Can a president pardon him?
A U.S. president can only affect federal convictions. The state murder conviction and sentence are controlled by Minnesota processes.
Are any appeals likely to free him soon?
He has filed various motions and requests, but as of now none has changed his custody status.

© US Prison Guide. All rights reserved.