successive sentences

successive sentences n. in criminal law, the imposition of the penalty for each of several crimes, one after the other, as compared to "concurrent sentences" (at the same time). Example: Carl Convict has been found guilty of manslaughter, assault with a deadly weapon, and armed robbery, for which the maximum sentences are 15 years, 10 years, and 10 years, respectively. By imposing successive sentences, the judge adds the terms together and sentences Convict to 35 years. Had the judge made the sentences concurrent, the maximum total would be 15 years. (See: sentence, concurrent sentence)