Convict

To convict an accused person guilty of a crime at the conclusion of a criminal prosecution, or after the entry of a plea of guilty or a plea of nolo contendere. An individual who has been found guilty of a crime and, as a result, is serving a sentence as punishment for the act; a prisoner. Convict to pronounce (someone) guilty of an offence or the person found guilty of an offence, especially one who is sentenced to imprisonment. A person who has been convicted has a conviction. Subject to various rules this previous conviction may appear as part of a person’s criminal record which is usually brought to the attention of a sentencing court at the time of sentence. Subject to various other rules and depending on the legal system, it may or may not be brought to the attention of a court in a later case during the trial. Such rules are required because the existence of a conviction may result in prejudice - especially if it is for a similar matter.