Two types of prison terms for two separate crimes are served either consecutively or concurrently
Concurrent Sentence
Two sentences for more than one crime are ordered to be served at the same time. In this regard, the prison terms will run together or what is called concurrently.
Example:
A defendant is convicted of two separate crimes – Robbery and Drug Trafficking. The defendant receives a prison term of ten years for Robbery and a second prison term of ten years for Drug Trafficking.
Under Concurrent Sentencing, the defendant will simultaneously serve prison time for both crimes. The defendant could serve a maximum of ten years.
The Court will usually order concurrent sentences at the Prosecutor’s recommendation and as part of an overall plea bargain.
Consecutive Sentence
In Consecutive Sentencing, the first term of ten years of imprisonment is followed by the second term of ten years. In the above example, the prisoner serves a maximum of twenty years.
