Which sentence type involves starting a new probation term only after successfully completing the previous one?

The concept of a consecutive sentence is essential in understanding how probation terms can be structured. In a consecutive sentence, individuals must complete one probation term before beginning another. This means that if a person is given multiple sentences, each must be served one after the other. Therefore, successful completion of the first term is a prerequisite for starting the second term.

This structure emphasizes the idea of accountability, as it requires individuals to finish their obligations associated with the first sentence fully. In contexts such as probation, this aligns with the goals of rehabilitation and monitoring of behavior over time.

In contrast, the other sentence types involve different arrangements. For instance, a concurrent sentence allows for probation terms to be served simultaneously, meaning that multiple sentences can overlap rather than being taken one at a time. A split sentence refers to a combination of incarceration followed by probation, which does not specifically require the sequential completion of separate probation terms. Meanwhile, a suspended sentence is one where the court delays the imposition of a sentence, but it does not dictate the sequence of probation terms in the way that consecutive sentences do. Thus, consecutive sentences genuinely embody the concept of sequential service of probation terms.