Back in 1984, Alvin Kennard was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for stealing $50.75 from a bakery.

Sound extreme? Well, due to Alabama state law at the time, the judge had no other option than to sentence him to life in prison.

Kennard was a fourth-time offender, but now that the Habitual Felony Offender Act has been changed, judges have the option of giving fourth-time offenders the possibility of parole.

Source: http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/aug/29/alvin-kennard-sentenced-to-life-released-prison