What is the difference between a concurrent and consecutive sentence?

When sentences run concurrently, defendants serve all the sentences at the same time. Consecutive sentences. When sentences run consecutively, defendants have to finish serving the sentence for one offense before they start serving the sentence for any other offense.

What does consecutive jail sentence mean?

Multiple prison terms that are to be served one after another after the defendant is convicted of the corresponding criminal offenses. That is, when convicted of multiple offenses, judges may sentence the defendant to serve the sentences back-to-back.

How do judges decide between concurrent and consecutive sentences?

Judges have the authority to decide a defendant’s sentence, however, federal law requires that the default rule is for concurrent sentences, unless the state statute calls for consecutive sentences or the judge thinks a consecutive sentence is the best course of action.

Do federal charges run concurrent?

Federal law is similar, but not identical. Under 18 U.S.C. § 3584, when a defendant is facing multiple terms of imprisonment—either for multiple crimes being sentenced at the same time or for a defendant already subject to an undischarged term of imprisonment—the terms may run consecutively or concurrently.

What is the difference between concurrent sentences and consecutive sentences?

Generally, concurrent sentences run at the same time, while consecutive sentences run back to back. “Time served” is jail time credit the defendant receives from the period he was in jail waiting for resolution of his criminal case.

Can a defendant serve two sentences at the same time?

This means that the defendant can serve two or more sentences at the same time. Concurrent sentences diminish the defendant’s jail time because the short sentences are also served while he or she is serving the longer ones.

Can a sentence be served consecutively to another crime?

Some criminal statutes, however, require that the sentence for the crime in question be served consecutively to any other crime committed in the same incident. (To learn about what judges consider when imposing sentences, read more on aggravating factors and mitigating factors .)

Can I receive presentence jail credit for multiple offenses?

The general rule is that when convicted of multiple offenses, a defendant is only allowed to receive presentence jail credit on the first of his or her consecutive sentences only, not all of them.