Terms Used In Illinois Compiled Statutes > 725 ILCS 5 > Title I > Article 101 - General Purposes

• Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
• Petty offense: A federal misdemeanor punishable by six months or less in prison. ^{Source: U.S. Courts}
• Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.