STATE v. SEAM (2020)

We affirm the decision of the Court of Appeals which leaves intact the sentence entered by the trial court. Defendant’s arguments regarding his constitutional rights under the Eighth Amendment in which he asserts that he has no meaningful opportunity for parole are not ripe for a determination by this Court, because the time at which he is eligible to apply for parole has not yet arrived. We recognize that the potential for parole constitutionally cannot be illusory for offenders sentenced to life with the possibility of parole. Defendant is not precluded from raising his claims at a later date, in the event that said claims become ripe for resolution.

AFFIRMED.

PER CURIAM.

Justices ERVIN and DAVIS did not participate in the consideration or resolution of this decision.