Here is Jean Valjean in his first attempt to escape the galleys. After being caught he was sentenced more years as prisoner. He spent 5 years in the galleys for burglary and 14 years for having attempted to escape the galleys 4 times. 

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/01/02/article-0-07BC476D000005DC-576_468x703.jpg