Criminal sentences that are to run at the same time, as opposed to consecutively. Where there is some sympathy for the defendant or in a case where consecutive sentences would be unduly harsh, a judge may sentence a convicted criminal defendant to sentences that run concurrently, beginning at the same time and credit for time served is provided for each sentence. When separate criminal sentences run concurrently at the same time, e.g. two five year sentences will run and end at the same time, at the end of five years.