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05related terms
May 2026reviewed
In detail
How conviction works in practice.
A conviction is entered when a court finds an accused person guilty of a charge, either after a contested hearing or on a plea of guilty. A conviction is recorded on the person's criminal history and may have consequences beyond the immediate sentence, including effects on employment in regulated industries, travel to certain countries, licences, and professional registrations. In Victoria, courts have the power to find a charge proved without recording a conviction in limited circumstances; diversion avoids a conviction entirely. Whether a conviction is recorded is often a significant consideration when advising on how to respond to a charge.
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