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LSDefine
Simple English definitions for legal terms
flat sentence
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A quick definition of flat sentence:
A flat sentence is a punishment given by a court to someone who has been found guilty of a crime. It is a specific amount of time that the person must spend in jail or prison, without any chance of getting out early. For example, if someone is given a flat sentence of 10 years, they must spend the entire 10 years in jail. This is different from other types of sentences, like probation or community service, where the person may be able to avoid jail time altogether.A more thorough explanation:
A flat sentence is a type of determinate sentence that has a fixed length of time for the punishment of a criminal defendant. It is also known as a definitive sentence, fixed sentence, or straight sentence. This type of sentence is different from an indeterminate sentence, which has an unspecified duration.
Examples of flat sentences include:
- A sentence of 10 years in prison for robbery
- A sentence of 5 years in prison for drug trafficking
These examples illustrate how a flat sentence has a specific length of time for the punishment of a crime. The judge determines the length of the sentence based on the severity of the crime and other factors. Once the sentence is imposed, the defendant must serve the entire length of time without the possibility of early release.