Conviction
A formal finding or declaration that a person is guilty of a criminal offense, entered by a court after a guilty plea, guilty verdict, or no-contest plea.
A conviction happens when a court formally declares that a person is guilty of a crime. This can occur after a trial where a jury or judge finds the defendant guilty, or when the defendant pleads guilty or no contest. Once a conviction is entered, the judge imposes a sentence, which may include jail or prison time, probation, fines, community service, or other conditions.
In Minnesota, a conviction goes on a person’s criminal record and can affect many areas of life, including employment, housing, professional licensing, and immigration status. Some convictions can be expunged (sealed) from public records after a waiting period, depending on the type of offense and other factors.
Why it matters: A criminal conviction has consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. It can limit your job opportunities, your ability to rent housing, and your right to vote (while incarcerated in Minnesota). Understanding what a conviction means – and whether expungement may be available – is important for anyone facing criminal charges.
Example: A defendant is found guilty of a misdemeanor theft charge after a bench trial. The judge enters a conviction and sentences the defendant to 90 days in jail, stayed for one year of probation. The conviction appears on the defendant’s criminal record.
Criminal cases, after a guilty plea or a guilty verdict at trial