Opinion ID: 4117602
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Sentences of imprisonment for more than

Text: one offense. When multiple sentences of imprisonment are imposed on a defendant for more than one offense, including an offense for which a previous suspended sentence or sentence of probation has been revoked, such multiple sentences shall run concurrently or consecutively as the court determines at the time of sentence, except that: . . . (2) Not more than one sentence for an extended term shall be imposed. [N.J.S.A. 2C:44-5(a).] Subsection b is entitled “Sentences of imprisonment imposed at different times” and states, in pertinent part, that [w]hen a defendant who has previously been sentenced to imprisonment is subsequently sentenced to another term for an offense committed prior to the former sentence, other than an offense committed while in custody:
far as possible conform to subsection a. of this section[.] [N.J.S.A. 2C:44-5(b).] In Hudson, supra, this Court addressed the meaning of subsection b: Subsection b’s plain language applies subsection a’s bar against imposing a sentence comprised of more than one extended term for the conviction of an offense which was committed prior to the imposition of the defendant’s current extended-term sentence but for which defendant is being sentenced after the imposition of the first extended sentence. [209 N.J. at 517 (emphasis added).] 8 In addressing the “so far as possible” qualifier in subsection (b)(1), we rejected the view that this phrase meant subsection b’s incorporation of subsection a was discretionary. Id. at 517-18. Instead, we interpreted “so far as possible” to mean that the prohibition against multiple extended-term sentences is the default. Id. at 534. The “so far as possible” qualifier is triggered only when compliance cannot be achieved, as, for example, when the second extended-term sentence is mandatory. Id. at 535. Thus, Hudson stands for the proposition that, under N.J.S.A. 2C:44-5(b), the imposition of a second extended term for offenses committed prior to the imposition of a first extended-term sentence is illegal unless unavoidable. See id.