What is the difference between an acquittal and a conviction?

In Florida, an acquittal and a conviction are both outcomes of a criminal trial, each with different consequences. An acquittal occurs when the defendant is found not guilty of a crime and the criminal charges are dismissed. This means the defendant will not be subjected to any criminal penalties or punishments for the crime in question. A conviction, on the other hand, happens when the defendant is found guilty of a crime and is subjected to criminal penalties or punishments for the crime. Depending on the type of crime the defendant is charged with, this could include prison time, fines, restitution, community service, or probation. The key difference between an acquittal and a conviction is that if an individual is acquitted of a crime, it is as if the criminal charges were never filed, and the individual’s criminal record remains clear. On the other hand, a conviction will remain on the individual’s criminal record and can impact their ability to find a job, get into college, or participate in certain activities.

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