Whats the difference between someone being acquitted and someone being convicted?
2007-02-27 12:22:47 · 4 answers · asked by vampyra_suicides 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Acquitted means they were found not guilty. Convicted means they were found guilty. Acquitted, you walk out of the courtroom and go on with your life. Convicted, you get a sentence of some kind--a fine, some jail time, maybe probation. The burden of proof is on the prosecution to prove its case, if it doesn't convince the trier of fact (a jury or a judge), the defendant is not proven guilty so is acquitted and can leave the courtroom.
2007-02-27 12:27:52 · answer #1 · answered by jxt299 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Acquitted means found not guilty, generally after a trial; convicted applies to any finding of guilt be it trial or guilty plea. Acquitted is different from having charges "dropped" or "dismissed" as those can be refiled and are typically a pre-trial result. An acquittal, generally, is only reversable by appeal as it is a final judgment on the merits of the case.
2007-02-27 20:51:26 · answer #2 · answered by vampirecircus 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Acquitted means found not guilty. Convicted means found guilty and charged and sentenced as such.
2007-02-27 20:45:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being aquitted means being found not guilty. Convicted is being found guilty and having a sentence handed down.
2007-02-27 20:26:33 · answer #4 · answered by Melissa W 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋