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Simple English definitions for legal terms
successive sentences
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A quick definition of successive sentences:
When someone is found guilty of a crime, a judge decides how long they should be punished for. If they are found guilty of more than one crime, they might have to serve multiple punishments. These punishments can be served at the same time (concurrently) or one after the other (successively). For example, if someone is found guilty of two crimes and given a concurrent sentence, they will serve both punishments at the same time. But if they are given a successive sentence, they will serve one punishment first and then the other. Judges can decide which type of sentence to give, but sometimes the law says they have to give a successive sentence.
A more thorough explanation:
When a person is convicted of a crime, a judge will give them a sentence that fits the crime. If the person is convicted of multiple crimes, they will receive multiple sentences. These sentences can be served either at the same time (concurrently) or one after the other (successively).
For example, if someone is convicted of two crimes, one punishable by 10 years in prison and the other punishable by 5 years in prison, a concurrent sentence means they would serve both sentences at the same time, for a total of 10 years. But if the judge imposes successive sentences, the person would serve 10 years for the first crime, and then an additional 5 years for the second crime, for a total of 15 years.
In some cases, the law requires that sentences be served successively. For example, if someone is convicted of attempting to commit a crime and actually committing it, they must serve a successive sentence for both crimes.
Judges have the discretion to decide whether to impose concurrent or successive sentences, but they must follow certain guidelines. In the United States, federal law provides a list of factors judges should consider when making this decision.
Overall, successive sentences mean that a person must serve one sentence after the other, while concurrent sentences mean they can serve both sentences at the same time.