What are concurrent sentences?

Concurrent sentences refer to two or more sentences that are served simultaneously. This means that if an individual is sentenced to two different terms of imprisonment, they will be executed at the same time rather than consecutively, which allows the offender to serve the longer sentence period only. For instance, if a person receives a sentence of 5 years for one offense and 3 years for another, under concurrent sentencing, the individual will serve only 5 years total, with both sentences overlapping.

The concept of concurrent sentences is crucial in understanding sentencing structures within the legal system, as it affects the duration of time an offender spends incarcerated. It provides a way to manage multiple offenses without extending the sentence unduly when each sentence can be dealt with in tandem.