Consecutive vs Concurrent Sentencing: What's the difference? | Criminal Law in Plain English

Описание: When someone is facing criminal charges in Massachusetts, time spent in jail or prison can add up beyond what they could have imagined. When my clients come to me for help and guidance, I know they're under an enormous amount of anxiety and stress. The idea of spending any time behind bars would upset anyone, but realizing that conviction could result in multiple sentences served in jail or prison is devastating.

We use the term "collateral consequences" all the time in criminal defense; when I explain consecutive and concurrent sentencing as potential case outcomes, the weight of that term really sinks in. For first-time offenders, the reality of putting years of their lives on pause while being incarcerated is almost unfathomable. But spiraling over the worst-case scenario doesn't help either of us nor does catastrophizing.

Instead, I teach my clients what the Stoics have taught me: "To make the best of what is in our power, and take the rest as it occurs.” – Epictetus

I'm Criminal Defense Lawyer Nate Amendola, and this is Criminal Law in Plain English.

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