What is a major consequence of being found guilty in a criminal case?

Being found guilty in a criminal case often results in jail time or fines as a major consequence. This is a fundamental aspect of the criminal justice system, where penalties are typically imposed to deter the offender and others from engaging in similar unlawful behavior. Jail time serves both a punitive function and a rehabilitative goal, as it removes the individual from society for a designated period, allowing for potential reflection and reform. Fines are a financial penalty imposed in addition to or instead of incarceration, providing a consequence that can also serve to compensate society for the crime.

While other consequences such as monetary restitution, community service, or loss of employment may occur alongside or as a result of a criminal conviction, they are not inherent legal penalties that come directly from the verdict itself. The primary focus in a criminal case revolves around sentencing, which frequently includes incarceration or financial penalties. This distinction underscores the severity and direct impact of being found guilty in a criminal case.