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Concurrent and Consecutive Sentences

Judges have the authority to "stack" a defendant's sentences when he is convicted of more than one crime. Consecutive or "stacked" sentencing substantially lengthens the defendant's period of incarceration, since one sentence must be completed before the next one begins.

Concurrent sentencing allows a defendant's time in prison to count toward more than one conviction, obviously shortening his incarceration. Although concurrent sentencing is preferable to a defendant, there is no right to obtain concurrent sentences.