Conditions When Sentences Are to Run Concurrently

Section 921.16(1), Florida Statutes (2004), sets forth when sentences are to run concurrently: A defendant convicted of two or more offenses charged in the same indictment, information, or affidavit or in consolidated indictments, informations, or affidavits shall serve the sentences of imprisonment concurrently unless the court directs that two or more of the sentences be served consecutively. Sentences of imprisonment for offenses not charged in the same indictment, information, or affidavit shall be served consecutively unless the court directs that two or more of the sentences be served concurrently. Pursuant to section 921.16(1), unless the trial court directs that sentences for separately charged offenses run concurrently, those sentences are consecutive. In Daniels v. State, 491 So. 2d 543 (Fla. 1986), the court clarified that section 921.161(1) applies differently to concurrent than consecutive sentences, explaining as follows: When, pursuant to section 921.161(1), a defendant receives pre-sentence jail-time credit on a sentence that is to run concurrently with other sentences, those sentences must also reflect the credit for time served. . . . We distinguish this situation from one in which the defendant does not receive concurrent sentences on multiple charges; in such a case the defendant "is not entitled to have his jail time credit pyramided by being given credit on each sentence for the full time he spends in jail awaiting disposition." Daniels, 491 So. 2d at 545 (quoting Martin v. State, 452 So. 2d 938, 938-39 (Fla. 2d DCA 1984)). Therefore, when a defendant receives concurrent sentences, his jail time is credited toward all concurrent sentences, but when a defendant does not receive concurrent sentences, jail time may be credited toward only one sentence.