What are Consecutive and Concurrent Sentences?

What are Consecutive and Concurrent Sentences?

When you are charged with and convicted of more than one crime during the same court process, you are facing more than one sentence, such as if you are convicted of a crime that carries three-to-five years and a second crime that carries one to two years. This means you face a possible four-to-seven years in prison. In the interest of reducing jail overcrowding and the costs associated with housing inmates, many judges have to decide whether to run your sentences concurrently or consecutively. Understanding the difference is important. Consecutive means one after the other in a row. Let's say you are convicted of two crimes and the judge sentences you to three years for the first one and two years for the second one and specifies that they run consecutively. This means you have a five year sentence altogether because you have to finish the three-year sentence before your two-year sentence can begin. It does not take into account good time credits, the possibility of parole and other things that shave time off of your incarceration. It is the starting point of your sentence. Concurrent means at the same time. Taking the same scenario as above with two convictions, a three-year sentence and a two-year sentence, when they’re to run concurrently, this would mean you have a total three-year sentence to serve. You would be allowed to begin both sentences at the same time. Your two-year will end with a year left to serve on your three-year sentence. Once the three-year sentence is done, you are finished. Again, this does not take into account, good time credits or parole eligibility dates. Things Judges Consider in Ordering Consecutive or Concurrent Sentences Prison population: If the prisons are very full, he or she may order concurrent sentences to try to help alleviate the overcrowding. Your Record: If it is your first time being convicted of a crime, the judge might consider concurrent sentences, but if you have a lengthy prior record, the judge might be more likely to run your sentences consecutively. Agreement with the DA: If you are pleading guilty and not taking your case to trial, the district attorney may agree to ask the judge to run your sentences concurrently. The Nature of Your Crimes: A violent crime or one that put society in danger might make a judge think twice about letting your other sentences run concurrent with the violent crime sentence. Conversely, if none of your convictions are for violent crimes, he or she may grant concurrent sentencing. Your attorney can advise you about Consecutive or Concurrent sentencing in relation to your case.