What is the Difference Between Adjudication and Conviction?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between adjudication and conviction lies in the legal status and consequences associated with each term.
Adjudication:
- In the context of juvenile cases, adjudication is the equivalent of a conviction for an adult in criminal court.
- Juveniles are adjudicated either delinquent or not delinquent.
- Being adjudicated delinquent as a juvenile mirrors being found guilty as an adult.
- The focus of the juvenile justice system is on rehabilitation, and adjudication does not always lead to incarceration.
- Adjudication is not a matter of public record like standard criminal convictions.
Conviction:
- In adult criminal court, a conviction is a formal finding of guilt and results in a criminal record.
- Convictions can lead to fines, loss of a driver's license, and jail time, depending on the severity of the charges and the outcome.
- A convicted individual faces various restrictions on their liberties, such as being unable to vote, possess firearms, or obtain certain employment opportunities.
In some cases, a judge can withhold adjudication of guilt, meaning the person has not been formally found guilty of the crime and there is no conviction. This is more likely to happen if the person is a first-time offender and is deemed worthy of a withhold. If the adjudication is withheld, the person can lawfully deny being convicted of a crime.
Comparative Table: Adjudication vs Conviction
Here is a table comparing the differences between adjudication and conviction:
| Feature | Adjudication | Conviction |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Adjudication refers to the legal process of resolving disputes between two parties, including both civil and criminal disputes. | Conviction refers to the outcome of a criminal trial, where the court finds the defendant guilty of the crime. |
| Focus | In the juvenile system, the focus is on rehabilitation. | The adult criminal system focuses on punishment. |
| Outcome | In many cases, the court will not issue a traditional sentence. Instead, it will provide services and help to the minor to rehabilitate them and prevent reentry into the system. | A conviction results in a sentence, which may include imprisonment, fines, or other penalties. |
| Impact on Record | Juvenile adjudication is not considered a criminal conviction, and juvenile records are often expunged or sealed. | A criminal conviction becomes part of the defendant's permanent record and can have long-lasting consequences. |
| Trial Type | In the juvenile system, minors do not have a right to a jury, so a judge handles the case. | In the adult criminal system, the defendant has the right to a jury trial. |
In summary, adjudication is a legal process used to resolve disputes, with a focus on rehabilitation in the juvenile system. Conviction, on the other hand, is the outcome of a criminal trial, where the defendant is found guilty and faces penalties. The two processes have different foci, outcomes, and impacts on the individual's record.
- Conviction vs Sentence
- Judgement vs Verdict
- Condemnation vs Conviction
- Charged vs Convicted
- Arbitration vs Adjudication
- Court vs Trial
- Judge vs Jury
- Conviction vs Belief
- Juvenile Court vs Criminal Court
- Civil vs Criminal Court
- Judgment vs Order
- Court vs Tribunal
- Acquittal vs Not Guilty
- Guilty vs No Contest
- Parole vs Probation
- Circuit Court vs District Court
- Defendant vs Accused
- Arbitration vs Conciliation
- Trial Court vs Appellate Court