Prosecutors in the George Floyd case want longer sentences than required if any of the four former officers who are charged are convicted.
Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison is leading the prosecution and his office informed Hennepin County court officials Friday of their intention to seek upward departure sentencing.
Among the reasons given for the request include Floyd was handcuffed and particularly vulnerable when he was detained on May 25th after he was accused of passing a fake $20 bill.
Former officer Derek Chauvin was shown on bi-stander video pressing his knee on Floyd's neck and faces up to 60 years in prison on charges of murder and manslaughter.
The other three former officers - J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao are charged with aiding and abetting.
All four were fired by the Minneapolis Police Department in the days following Floyd's death, which sparked protests and unrest nationwide, and led to an increased awareness of racial disparity in the US.
Trial in the George Floyd case is scheduled to begin on March 8.