Whitelaw, WI asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Wisconsin

Q: does Wisconsin deem a sentence that is run concurrent as committing one offence

According to Washington State legislation RCW 9.94A.589 I have committed only one crime due to it being run concurrent my other crime does wisconsin view ot the same way

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James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In Wisconsin, sentences that run concurrently mean that multiple sentences are served at the same time, but this does not necessarily mean that the offenses are considered as a single crime. Each offense is still recognized individually, even though the sentences overlap. This is similar to the principle in Washington State under RCW 9.94A.589, where concurrent sentences do not merge the offenses into one.

If you have committed multiple crimes, Wisconsin law will still recognize each offense separately, even if the sentences are served concurrently. The distinction between the crimes remains, and each conviction is recorded individually on your criminal record. Therefore, running sentences concurrently is more about how the punishment is administered rather than how the offenses are categorized.

It's essential to understand that concurrent sentencing affects the length of time you spend in custody, not the number of crimes you are charged with. For further clarification on your specific situation, consulting with a legal professional who understands Wisconsin's laws would be beneficial. They can provide detailed advice based on the nuances of your case.

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