a criminal conviction

USAGE SUMMARY

"a criminal conviction" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a legal finding by a court that someone is guilty of a crime. You can use this phrase to describe someone's legal history or status, such as in the following example: "John was denied employment due to his criminal conviction for embezzlement." Alternatively, you could use it in a legal context, such as: "The jury reached a unanimous verdict of a criminal conviction against the defendant for murder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Persons convicted of Liquor Act offences can receive a criminal conviction (Queensland Government, 2010).

Health & Justice

If convicted, Stanfield won't be the only diner who dashed into a criminal conviction -- or worse.

Huffington Post

They prohibit anyone with a criminal conviction from taking part.

The New York Times

If the defendant is successful, she avoids a criminal conviction.

The New York Times

A criminal conviction, no; but civil damages he can afford.

The Guardian - Sport

Many people are unaware that a criminal conviction as a child is a criminal conviction for life.

The Guardian

Her supporters noted that he had a criminal conviction for robbery as a youth.

The New York Times

Even a criminal conviction has very little meaning for a faceless corporation.

The New York Times

And many have been ineligible for rehousing, usually because of a criminal conviction.

The Economist

Would you require any qualifications — for example, would there need to be a criminal conviction first?

The New Yorker

If the terms of an ASBO are breached, the result is a criminal conviction.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, use "a criminal conviction" to clearly indicate a formal judgment of guilt in a court of law. It provides a precise and unambiguous understanding of an individual's legal status.

Common error

Avoid using "a criminal conviction" interchangeably with "a criminal record". "A criminal conviction" refers to the specific instance of being found guilty, while "a criminal record" encompasses all documented interactions with the criminal justice system, including arrests that didn't lead to a conviction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a criminal conviction" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It represents a legal status or outcome resulting from a criminal trial. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone's legal history.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a criminal conviction" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase that denotes a formal legal judgment of guilt. Ludwig AI confirms its broad acceptance and appropriate use. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts, the phrase serves to inform and describe an individual's legal status and has significant implications for their life. While generally neutral, the register can lean towards formal depending on the context. When using the phrase, it's essential to distinguish it from related terms like "criminal record" and to be aware of the potential for expungement or sealing in some jurisdictions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a conviction for a crime

Adds specificity by explicitly stating that the conviction is related to a crime.

a criminal sentence

Similar meaning; emphasizes the sentencing aspect of a criminal case.

a guilty verdict

Focuses on the jury's decision rather than the overall legal consequence.

a finding of guilt

Highlights the determination of responsibility in a legal setting.

a legal condemnation

Uses more formal language to describe the legal disapproval.

a felony conviction

Indicates a conviction for a serious crime.

a sentence

Emphasizes the punishment phase following a guilty verdict.

a misdemeanor conviction

Indicates a conviction for a less serious crime.

a robbery conviction

Specific type of crime that results in a conviction.

a criminal record

Refers to the documentation of past criminal convictions.

FAQs

How does "a criminal conviction" affect someone's life?

A criminal conviction can have significant repercussions, impacting employment opportunities, housing options, and even the ability to travel. It may also lead to social stigma and limitations on certain rights, such as voting in some states. The severity of these effects often depends on the nature of the crime and the jurisdiction.

What is the difference between "a criminal conviction" and an arrest?

"A criminal conviction" signifies a formal declaration of guilt in a court of law, following a trial or guilty plea. An arrest, on the other hand, is merely the apprehension of an individual suspected of committing a crime. An arrest does not imply guilt, while "a criminal conviction" does.

Can "a criminal conviction" be expunged or sealed?

In many jurisdictions, it is possible to expunge or seal a criminal record, which can remove or hide a criminal conviction from public view. Eligibility for expungement varies depending on the type of crime, the length of time since the conviction, and other factors. Consult with a legal professional to determine if you qualify.

What are some alternatives to saying "a criminal conviction"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a guilty verdict", "a finding of guilt", or "a criminal sentence". The best choice depends on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.