A DO designation isn't as all encompassing as the public thinks it is. A DO is eligible for parole reviews beginning 7 years after incarceration and every two years after that. Mind you, it may be highly unlikely a DO will be released, but it's possible. (Note: should someone more experienced than myself think I have this wrong, please correct me, but as I read the Code this is what I'm seeing... admittedly having never done a DO hearing.)

When an offender is found guilty of murder there is no DO application. I don't believe the legislation even allows for it but it would be pointless, since the parole ineligibility period is greater for murder anyway.