Legal Definitions - concurrent sentence

A concurrent sentence is a legal term used when a person is convicted of multiple crimes. Instead of serving the sentences for each crime one after another, a concurrent sentence allows the individual to serve all of their sentences simultaneously. The total time served is determined by the longest single sentence among them.

This means that even if someone is convicted of several offenses, their time in custody might not be extended beyond what they would serve for the most serious crime alone, provided the judge orders the sentences to run concurrently. Judges typically have the discretion to decide whether sentences run concurrently or consecutively, though some laws may require consecutive sentences for certain offenses.

• Example 1: Burglary and Theft

  Scenario: Sarah breaks into a vacant house (burglary) and, while inside, steals several valuable antique items (theft). She is caught and convicted of both crimes.

  Explanation: If the judge imposes a 5-year sentence for burglary and a 3-year sentence for theft, and orders them to run concurrently, Sarah would serve a total of 5 years. The 3-year theft sentence runs at the same time as the 5-year burglary sentence, effectively being absorbed by the longer term.

• Example 2: Multiple Drug Offenses

  Scenario: David is arrested and convicted on two separate counts: possession of illegal drugs with intent to distribute, and manufacturing illegal drugs. Both offenses occurred around the same time as part of a larger operation.

  Explanation: If David receives a 7-year sentence for possession with intent to distribute and a 6-year sentence for manufacturing, and the judge orders these sentences to be concurrent, he would serve a total of 7 years. The 6-year sentence runs alongside the 7-year sentence, meaning he doesn't serve an additional 6 years after completing the first 7.

• Example 3: Attempted Robbery and Assault

  Scenario: Mark attempts to rob a convenience store, but the clerk resists. During the struggle, Mark assaults the clerk before fleeing without any money. He is later apprehended and convicted of both attempted robbery and assault.

  Explanation: Suppose Mark receives a 4-year sentence for attempted robbery and a 2-year sentence for assault. If the judge decides these sentences should be concurrent, Mark would serve a total of 4 years. The 2-year assault sentence is served during the same period as the 4-year attempted robbery sentence, not in addition to it.