Legal Definitions - flat sentence

A flat sentence, also known as a determinate sentence, is a specific, fixed period of incarceration that a judge imposes on a convicted individual. Unlike an indeterminate sentence, which provides a range (e.g., "5 to 10 years") and allows a parole board to determine the actual release date within that range, a flat sentence specifies an exact number of years or months that the person must serve. While individuals serving flat sentences may still earn credits for good behavior or participate in rehabilitation programs that could reduce their time, the initial term set by the court is a precise, non-negotiable duration.

• Example 1: Grand Theft Conviction
  After being found guilty of grand theft, Michael was sentenced to 4 years in state prison. This is a flat sentence because the judge specified an exact duration of four years, rather than a range like "3 to 6 years." Michael knows precisely how long his initial prison term is, subject to any earned time credits for good conduct.

• Example 2: Mandatory Minimum for Drug Offense
  Sarah was convicted of trafficking a controlled substance, which carried a mandatory minimum sentence under state law. The judge, therefore, imposed a flat sentence of 5 years in federal prison. The law dictated this specific term, leaving no discretion for the judge to set a range or a shorter period, making it a fixed, determinate sentence.

• Example 3: Assault with a Deadly Weapon
  David was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon. The court handed down a flat sentence of 8 years in prison. This means David's sentence is a definite eight-year term, and he will not face a parole board hearing to determine his release date within a broader time frame. His release will be based on the completion of this fixed term, potentially reduced by statutory good time credits.