Many times folks in criminal court hear concurrent and consecutive sentences being given out by the judge and offered by Tampa criminal attorneys. Since these are phrases clearly not used in everyday living, it is necessary to explain the usage of same with regards to criminal sentencing.
A concurrent sentence occurs when two (2) different sentences are run together. Consecutive sentences require one sentence to be served before the second sentence even begins. Essentially, a consecutive sentence results in the two (2) sentences being added together. A concurrent sentence is almost always preferable to a consecutive sentence because it allows individuals to get out of jail or prison quicker.
For example, if someone is sentences to sixty (60) days on charge A and thirty (30) days on charge B. If the sentences are run concurrent, the defendant would only have to serve 60 days on both charges. If the sentences are run consecutive, the defendant would have to serve 90 days on both charges.
Many times, the majority of negotiations concern whether there will be consecutive sentences or concurrent sentences. This is critical distinction because it will ultimately determine how much prison or jail time, someone is required to do. Our Tampa criminal attorneys have extensive experience arguing and negotiating for concurrent sentences, rather than consecutive sentences for our clients.
If you or someone you know has questions concerning consecutive sentences, contact the Tampa criminal attorneys of Hackworth Law for a free consultation. We have handled thousands of criminal cases throughout the greater Tampa Bay Area. If you would like to contact one of our Tampa criminal attorneys immediately, please use the “contact us now” tab in the upper right hand corner of our website or our free, private chat box in the lower right hand corner of our website. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you.