a third conviction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a third conviction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the third instance of someone being found guilty of a crime or offense. Example: "After the trial concluded, the defendant faced a third conviction for repeated offenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

A third conviction dates to 2007.

The New York Times - Sports

A third conviction would send Mr. Bellamy to jail.

The New York Times

They may have worried that a third conviction was by no means certain.

The New Yorker

A third conviction carries a fine of $5,000 and up to 16 days in jail.

The New York Times

Caught again in Fairfield in 1766, he received the same punishment "and was solemnly warned... that death would be his punishment on a third Conviction".

The New Yorker

The question in the case was whether a third conviction under Indiana law for fleeing from the police in a car was also a violent felony.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

5 nanograms or more: Mandatory minimum penalty of a $1,000 fine for a first offence, with escalating jail time for those convicted more than once — from 30 days for a second conviction to 120 days for each subsequent offence.

Vice

A longer suspension, and possibly banishment, follows a second conviction.

The New York Times - Sports

A first conviction will lead to profiles being held for five years.

Independent

Prosecutors discussed seeking a second conviction if Mr. Muhammad was successful in appealing his first death penalty.

The New York Times

Under the policy, a longer suspension, and possibly banishment, can follow a second conviction.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters, specify the type of conviction (e.g., felony, misdemeanor) to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a third conviction" when you mean "a third arrest". An arrest is merely being taken into custody, while a conviction means a finding of guilt in a court of law.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a third conviction" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms this usage through its examples, indicating it refers to the legal status of having been found guilty of an offense for the third time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a third conviction" refers to the legal status of having been found guilty of a crime three times. It's grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig's examples confirm its usage in discussions of legal matters, sentencing, and recidivism. Related phrases include "a subsequent conviction" and "repeat offense". Understanding the implications of repeat convictions, especially in the context of laws like 'three strikes', is crucial for discussions of criminal justice and legal reform.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subsequent conviction

Focuses on the idea of a later conviction, generalizing beyond the specific number.

a repeat offense

Highlights the act of re-offending rather than the legal outcome.

another conviction

Emphasizes that there has been one more conviction

a further conviction

Focuses on the continuation of convictions

three strikes law

References the legal concept related to third convictions, specifically in states with 'three strikes' laws.

habitual offender status

Describes the legal designation for someone with multiple convictions.

recidivism

Refers to the tendency to relapse into criminal behavior.

repeated criminal activity

General term for engaging in crime more than once.

multiple convictions

Highlights that the person has been convicted of at least two crimes.

history of convictions

A general term for referring to past convictions

FAQs

What are the implications of "a third conviction" under three-strikes laws?

In jurisdictions with three-strikes laws, "a third conviction", especially for a felony, can result in significantly harsher penalties, including life imprisonment.

What can I say instead of "a third conviction"?

You can use alternatives like "a subsequent conviction", "a repeat offense", or "habitual offender status" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "a third conviction" and "multiple convictions"?

"A third conviction" specifically indicates that someone has been convicted of a crime three times. "Multiple convictions" simply means more than one conviction, without specifying an exact number.

How does "a third conviction" affect sentencing?

Generally, sentencing increases with each subsequent conviction. "A third conviction" often results in more severe penalties than a first or second, and it could trigger mandatory minimum sentences or enhanced penalties.