criminal

Guilty

A verdict finding that the defendant committed the crime charged. Also, the plea a defendant may enter acknowledging guilt.

Encyclopedia entry: Guilty

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Got it!

Guilty generally means being responsible for committing a crime or offense . In criminal law , a defendant may be found guilty either by admitting to the crime through a plea , or by a judge or jury determining after trial that the prosecution has proven the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt .

[Last reviewed in August of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team
]

Wex

Encyclopedia content from Cornell LII Wex (CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5).