reconvictions

Reconviction is the formal conviction of an individual who has a prior conviction, typically for a subsequent offense occurring after the original offense. In criminology and criminal justice statistics, reconviction is commonly used as a measure of recidivism or reoffending.

A reconviction usually follows a new arrest, charging, and trial for a subsequent offense. In some contexts, the term may also refer to a conviction obtained after a second trial or after a prior conviction is reaffirmed on appeal, but the standard usage concentrates on new offenses by offenders with prior convictions. Reconviction is often used to track how often offenders commit new crimes after release from prison, completion of a sentence, or during probation or parole.

Data on reconviction are collected and analyzed to provide rates and trends over time. Reconviction rates vary by jurisdiction, population group, offense type, and time since release. They are influenced by differences in laws, sentencing practices, policing patterns, and opportunities for detection. Reconviction is distinct from the general rate of prior convictions or from convictions for first-time offenders.

Implications of reconviction data include assessments of the effectiveness of deterrence and rehabilitation efforts. Higher reconviction rates can inform policy discussions on parole conditions, offender management, and investments in education, treatment, and reintegration programs. Critics note that reconviction statistics can be affected by reporting practices, enforcement intensity, and limitations in capturing unobserved reoffending.

See also: Recidivism, Repeat offender, Parole, Rehabilitation.