Verurteilung

Verurteilung is a German term meaning "conviction" or "condemnation." In legal context, it denotes the formal finding by a court that a defendant is guilty of a crime. It is the counterpart of an acquittal (Freispruch). The term can also appear in civil or administrative contexts, indicating a finding of fault.

In German criminal procedure, a Verurteilung arises when a court after a trial (or after a guilty plea) determines the defendant's guilt and imposes a sentence (Strafausspruch). The court issues a judgment (Urteil) that contains both the factual guilt and the legal consequences. A Verurteilung can be challenged by appeal or revision, and only becomes final when all remedies are exhausted; a final decision is described as rechtskräftig. If the defendant is not convicted on appeal, the Verurteilung is overturned.

Consequences include penalties such as imprisonment, fines, or community penalties, along with any ancillary orders (restitution, probation, or specific prohibitions). A rechtskräftige Verurteilung is typically entered in the central criminal register and may be shown on a Führungszeugnis (certificate of conduct), affecting employment, travel, and in some cases civil rights. Some convictions may be removed or expunged after certain periods or under certain conditions, depending on jurisdiction and offense.

In non-legal usage, Verurteilung can also mean moral or public condemnation, expressing strong disapproval of a person’s actions.