BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- Berrien County Prosecutor Amy Byrd told ABC57 News there are 15 cases in the county that will be affected by the Michigan Supreme Court's change to the state’s sentencing law in April.

The change strikes down automatic, no-parole prison terms for 19- and 20-year-olds convicted of murder.

The ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court is retroactive so these 15 cases are people who have already been sentenced.

Byrd says this will be a lengthy process.

The prosecutor's office will decide whether to seek life without parole again for each of the 15 cases.

Criteria from past court rulings will be used, and even if they decide not to seek life without parole, resentencing must happen for each of the 15 inmates.

The length of sentence being sought will be based on criminal statutes and case details.

The prosecutor's office will also need to review prison records to see inmates' conduct since incarceration following their sentencing.

Byrd said this will play a role in the decision-making process.