guilty on all counts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guilty on all counts" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a legal context to indicate that a defendant has been found guilty of all charges brought against them. Example: "After a lengthy trial, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on all counts, leading to a significant prison sentence for the defendant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Helen guilty on all counts.

The New Yorker

They found Eichmann guilty on all counts.

The New York Times

The author pleads guilty on all counts.

The New York Times - Arts

Bieber Guilty on All Counts!

The New Yorker

They were found guilty on all counts.

Cornell University

He is certainly guilty on all counts.

The Guardian

The jury found Mr. Rajaratnam guilty on all counts.

The New York Times

The jury found the defendants not guilty on all counts.

The New Yorker

Leibel entered a plea of not guilty on all counts.

The Washington Post

Nadir had pleaded not guilty on all counts.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The verdict: guilty on all counts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "guilty on all counts" primarily in legal or journalistic contexts to accurately describe the outcome of a trial where the defendant is found guilty of every charge. Avoid using it casually or metaphorically to maintain its intended impact and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "guilty on all counts" in informal or non-legal situations. It's a term with specific legal weight and should not be diluted by casual or metaphorical use. For example, instead of saying "I'm guilty on all counts for eating all the cookies," opt for a more appropriate phrase like "I confess to eating all the cookies."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guilty on all counts" functions as a declarative statement within the legal domain. It is a concise summary of a court's decision, indicating a comprehensive finding of guilt. As Ludwig AI points out, it is generally used in legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "guilty on all counts" is a legal term used to describe a verdict where a defendant is found guilty of every charge against them. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news reports and legal analyses. The phrase is best used in formal contexts related to law and justice. While similar phrases exist, such as "convicted on every charge", it's crucial to avoid using it casually. Common mistakes involve using the term metaphorically outside of a courtroom setting. The frequency of its use is categorized as common, and its presence is often seen in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Therefore, use "guilty on all counts" accurately to maintain its legal weight and avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

convicted on every charge

This alternative emphasizes the legal process and outcome, focusing on the conviction across all charges.

the jury returned a guilty verdict on all counts

This explicitly states the jury's action, lending a formal and unambiguous tone to the outcome of the legal proceeding.

found liable on all counts

This option is suitable when referring to civil cases where liability, rather than guilt, is determined.

guilty as charged

This is a more direct and emphatic affirmation of guilt.

culpable in all respects

This phrase highlights the degree of responsibility, suggesting complete culpability.

responsible for every offense

This focuses on the accountability for each specific offense.

pronounced guilty on all indictments

Using "indictments" makes it more formal and legally specific, especially if there are multiple indictments.

held accountable across the board

This idiom suggests universal accountability, applicable in both legal and non-legal scenarios.

proven guilty on each accusation

This emphasizes that each individual accusation has been substantiated with proof.

deemed guilty without exception

This highlights that there are no exceptions to the guilty verdict.

FAQs

How is the phrase "guilty on all counts" typically used?

The phrase "guilty on all counts" is typically used in legal contexts to signify that a defendant has been found guilty of every charge brought against them in a trial. It indicates a comprehensive conviction.

What does it mean when a defendant is found "guilty on all counts"?

When a defendant is found "guilty on all counts", it means the jury or judge has determined that the prosecution has proven the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt for each and every charge listed in the indictment or chargesheet.

What are some alternative phrases to "guilty on all counts"?

Alternatives include "convicted on every charge", "found liable on all counts" (in civil cases), or simply stating that the defendant was found guilty of each specific charge.

Is it appropriate to use "guilty on all counts" outside of legal settings?

While technically understandable, using "guilty on all counts" outside of formal legal settings can sound overly dramatic or out of place. In less formal contexts, phrases like "fully responsible" or "entirely to blame" might be more appropriate.