Sean Taylor received one last bit of justice after a Miami-Dade Circuit judge denied his killer's request for a reduced sentence.

Eric Rivera, the man found guilty of killing the former Washington Redskins star, appeared in a courtroom where he had hoped to see his 57-year sentence shortened after his lawyers argued that juvenile conviction laws in Florida should see him given leniency and after other defenders in the same case had also seen their sentences reduced. Janese Caruthers, his lawyer, argued for a sentence of 18-22 years, citing his age and peer pressure as reasons for a lighter sentence. Rivera was 17 at the time of the murder.

"I know I can be a productive member of society," Rivera said to the judge via David Ovalle of the Miami Herald, with the now 28-year-old adding that he would like to work with troubled youths to steer them away from a life of crime.

Prosecutor Reid Rubin disagreed, citing a lengthy list of Rivera's prison mishaps including fights, violation of cellphone rules and the funding of an illegal cigarette trade system as reasons his sentence should stand.

"He hasn't demonstrated any redeeming qualities that justified a reduction in sentence," Rubin said during Wednesday's hearing. "His behavior hasn't improved. He continued to get in trouble in prison."

While the judge denied Rivera's request, he will get another shot in front of the bench in four years time. Taylor's former girlfriend and father were present in the courtroom at the time of the hearing.

Rivera confessed to his crimes after he and a group of teenagers attempted to rob the star safety's home on November 26th, believing it to be empty due to Taylor's NFL commitments. Taylor attempted to defend himself, his girlfriend and young daughter by rushing at Rivera with a machete, however a gunshot wound to the leg severed his femoral artery. The former first-round pick died a day later on November 27th due to extensive blood loss. He was 24 years old.

Other members of the group were also sentenced at the time of the case. Jason Mitchell, the so-called mastermind of the plot, received the harshest punishment after receiving a life sentence for his involvement. Like Rivera, his attempt for a lesser term was denied at a re-trial a year ago. Three other members of the group -- Jimmy Lee Brown, Venjah Hunte and Charles Wardlow -- received sentences of 18, 29 and 30 years respectively.

Taylor's life was celebrated last fall after the 10-year anniversary of his untimely death. The All-Pro defensive back was enshrined into the Miami Hurricanes' Hall of Fame, while NFL Network aired specials on his life in remembrance. Current Redskins safety D.J. Swearinger, who wears no. 36 in his honor, also began taping his face mask in the same manner as his idol.