Legal Definitions - guilty

Guilty

In a legal context, guilty refers to the state of having committed a crime or being legally responsible for a criminal act. It signifies that the evidence presented has proven, or the individual has admitted, their involvement in the offense. In a criminal case, a person can be found guilty either by formally admitting to the charge (a guilty plea) or by a judge or jury determining, after reviewing the evidence, that the person committed the crime.

• Example 1: Defendant's Admission (Guilty Plea)

  After being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), Mark decides to plead guilty to the charge. By doing so, he formally admits to the court that he committed the offense he was accused of, accepting responsibility for his actions without requiring a full trial.

• Example 2: Jury's Verdict

  During a trial for grand larceny, the prosecution presents evidence, and the defense presents its case. After hearing all the testimony and reviewing the exhibits, the jury deliberates and ultimately returns a verdict finding the defendant guilty. This means the jury concluded, based on the evidence presented beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant committed grand larceny.

• Example 3: Judge's Finding in a Bench Trial

  Sarah is accused of misdemeanor vandalism and chooses to have a bench trial, where a judge decides the case instead of a jury. After listening to the witnesses and examining the evidence, the judge determines that the prosecution has proven its case and finds Sarah guilty of vandalism. This ruling establishes her legal responsibility for the crime.