prior convictions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prior convictions" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to previous criminal convictions of an individual. Example: "The defendant's prior convictions were taken into account during sentencing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Convicted and acquitted subjects did not differ with respect to prior convictions.

BMC Psychiatry

His two prior convictions were overturned in February.

The New York Times

The prior convictions included 322 robberies and 262 burglaries.

The New York Times

Because of several prior convictions, Mr. Blunt was also facing a possible long prison sentence.

The New York Times

Russell, 43, and Williams, 30, both had prior convictions for robbery, stolen property and drug possession.

The Guardian

Because of prior convictions he could face up to 30 years in prison in that case.

The Guardian - Music

A study in Florida recently found that a lot of rapists had prior convictions for burglary.

The New York Times - Health

The probation officer factored in that the defendant is youthful and has no prior convictions.

The Guardian

Mr. Duffy had prior convictions for robbery, assault and drug possession.

The New York Times

Some defendants who had no prior convictions were sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The New York Times

He had a history of financial problems, including three prior convictions for writing bad checks.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure you have verifiable information before stating someone has "prior convictions". Incorrectly claiming a criminal history can have severe legal and reputational consequences.

Common error

Instead of using general terms like "past mistakes", use "prior convictions" when specifically referring to criminal judgments. This clarifies the nature of the previous offenses and avoids ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prior convictions" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its use in discussing legal and criminal history contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

46%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prior convictions" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used primarily in legal and journalistic contexts to refer to an individual's past criminal offenses that resulted in a guilty verdict. Ludwig AI supports this. It serves to provide information about criminal history and is generally considered neutral, leaning towards formal. Common alternatives include "previous offenses" and "criminal record". When using this phrase, ensure accuracy and avoid vague language. The frequency of usage is very common, particularly in news and science publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prior criminal history

This version is extremely similar, changing only a single word while preserving the meaning.

previous offenses

This alternative uses "offenses" instead of "convictions", focusing on the acts rather than the legal judgment.

past convictions

Replaces "prior" with "past", maintaining the same meaning with a slight variation in word choice.

criminal record

This phrase refers to the official history of an individual's criminal activity, encompassing all convictions.

record of offenses

Combines "record" with "offenses", shifting focus to the documented history of illegal acts.

history of convictions

Emphasizes the sequence of convictions over time, highlighting the cumulative aspect.

documented convictions

Highlights the official, recorded nature of the convictions.

previous criminal history

This phrase provides a more detailed description using three words to convey the same message.

list of convictions

This alternative is more specific, suggesting a detailed enumeration of the convictions.

history of wrongdoing

Broadens the scope to include any form of wrongdoing, not just criminal convictions.

FAQs

How is "prior convictions" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "prior convictions" refers to an individual's past criminal offenses that have resulted in a guilty verdict. This information is often considered during sentencing or when determining eligibility for certain programs.

What's a more formal alternative to "prior convictions"?

A more formal alternative to "prior convictions" could be "previous offenses" or "criminal record", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How do "prior convictions" affect sentencing?

"Prior convictions" often lead to harsher penalties for subsequent offenses. Many jurisdictions have 'three strikes' laws or similar provisions that significantly increase sentences for repeat offenders.

Can "prior convictions" be expunged or sealed?

In some cases, "prior convictions" can be expunged (removed from the record) or sealed (made inaccessible to the public) under specific legal conditions, such as completing probation or a certain period of good behavior. These options vary by jurisdiction.