Are they anything that alleges you broke or violated the law in some way and therefore have to pay a fine or penalty? For example, are you "convicted" if you have a minor traffic violation?
I'm confused because I don't know how that term is used.
2006-11-21 16:25:54 · 7 answers · asked by hyostee 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
In law, a conviction is the verdict that results when a court of law finds a defendant guilty of a crime.
The opposite of a conviction is an acquittal (i.e. "not guilty").
For a host of reasons, the criminal justice system is not perfect and sometimes guilty defendants are acquitted while innocent people are convicted. Appeal mechanisms mitigate this problem to some extent. An error that results in the conviction of an innocent person is a miscarriage of justice.
After a defendant is convicted, the court determines the appropriate sentence as a punishment. Further, the conviction may lead to results beyond the terms of the sentence itself, such as loss of federal education loans in the case of a drug felony. Such ramifications are known as the collateral consequences of criminal charges. Any punishment, simple or severe, for any crime committed is called convition-.
2006-11-21 16:37:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A conviction is a determination that you are guilty of a crime by a court of law. The determination is based either upon a verdict at trial or by a plea of guilt or nolo contendre ("no contest"). Convictions are only given for crimes where there is a possible jail or prison sentence (misdemeanors or felonies), not for offenses where citations are issued. If you are convicted of a crime, but are not sentenced to jail or prison (like if you are only given probation), it is still a conviction.
Speeding is a violation of the law, but unless the speed is so great that it becomes a crime (say, if your state says that driving more than 100 mph above the posted speed limit is a 1st degree misdemeanor), you will only be issued a citation and will have to pay a fine.
2006-11-21 19:26:40 · answer #2 · answered by Well, you asked... 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being convicted of a crime means that it has been proved in court that you did in fact commit a crime. Allegations are just allegations, they are just words without an actual prove that you did something wrong. However, "conviction" means that without a doubt you did commit a crime, and that fact has been proved in court. After the conviction, you get sentenced (determined for how long you will go to prison).
2006-11-21 16:44:40 · answer #3 · answered by OC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An arrest or a citation is an action taken by an officer when he has reasonable suspicion that you have violated the law.
Because of the arrest or citation, you have a hearing. At the hearing, you can either plead out or opt for a trial. At the trial, you will either be found guilty or not guilty.
If you plead out or are found guilty at the trial, it is called a "conviction" and it means that you have been convicted (found guilty) of a crime.
2006-11-21 16:42:32 · answer #4 · answered by tnmack 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you are ordered on a set date to appear at a magistrates court as the accused(of a crime or misdemeanor)and are found to be guilty,you will have a conviction on record.the crime in Question is (minor traf viol)a fine usually served by a police authority,and once settled ,depending on the motoring offence,will see no more than points on your licence(endorsed)and/or a fine .
2006-11-21 16:44:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No question of guilt, whatever authority has determined you guilty, you can hire a lawyer and appeal the ruling, if it's worth the legal cost to do so.
2006-11-21 16:32:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
CONVICTION IS A COURT DETERMINATION THAT ONE HAS BEEN FOUND GUILTY OF A CRIME AGAINST US!
2006-11-21 16:30:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋