Criminology Term: Concurrent Sentences
This type of sentence is given when a defendant is found guilty of more than one crime and is given a sentence for each crime that they will serve at the same time, simultaneously.
This is different from consecutive sentences, where the defendant would have to serve each sentence one after the other, like a never-ending nightmare.
To break it down, someone is convicted of two counts of theft and each count carries a two-year sentence. If the judge decides to give concurrent sentences, then the person would only serve two years in total for both counts, instead of four years if the sentences were consecutive. It's like a two-for-one deal, except it's for prison sentences.
Even though concurrent sentences might seem like a lighter punishment, they can still result in significant time behind bars for serious crimes.
Judges have some flexibility in deciding whether to give concurrent or consecutive sentences, and they will consider factors like the severity of the crime and the defendant's criminal record.
