What does it mean to be 'convicted of a crime'?

Being 'convicted of a crime' refers to the legal outcome where an individual has been found guilty of committing a crime after a trial or a plea. It signifies that a court has determined, based on presented evidence, that the individual has engaged in unlawful behavior as defined by criminal law. This process usually involves various stages, including arrest, court hearings, and the determination of guilt or innocence.

When someone is charged with a crime, it simply means they have been accused; this is not the same as a conviction. Sentencing to community service is a form of punishment that may follow a conviction but does not signify that the conviction itself has taken place. Finally, while pleading guilty can lead to a conviction, it is not the only way a conviction can happen, as a person can also be found guilty after a trial. Thus, the correct interpretation of being 'convicted of a crime' lies clearly in the establishment of guilt by the court, making the option about being found guilty of committing a crime the accurate choice.