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TOP CONVICTION CHARGE
| Data Element: | TOP CONVICTION CHARGE |
| Definition: | A representation of a law which specifies the most serious charge for which a defendant has been found or pled guilty in a judicial proceeding. |
| Standard of Verification: | Agency records in conjunction with DCJS top charge algorithm. |
| Data Type: | AN |
| Field Size: | 22 |
| Field Format: | 22-character coding structure: Law Title 3AN Article & Section 9AN Subsection 6AN Statutory Class 1AN Category 1AN Degree 1N Attempt Indicator 1AN |
| Originating Teams: | Courts |
| User Teams: | Corrections and Courts |
| Tables / Codes: | DCJS Charge Code Table. Available upon request from DCJS. Refer to Appendix A for a description of the 22-character Charge Code Format. For Attempt Indicator: A - Attempted C - Completed |
| Comments: | Statutory Class and Category should always be reported as though the offense were a completed act. For attempts, the Attempt Indicator should be reported as "A." For completed acts, the Attempt Indicator should be reported as "C." The INCIDENT/OCCURRENCE DATE (LAW ENFORCEMENT) should be referenced to determine whether the charge was in effect on the date of the crime. The 22-character charge code format has been defined for all new systems and system modifications. This format expands the Article and Section field from 5 characters to 9 characters and the Subsection field from 2 characters to 6 characters to accommodate Non-State and Non-Penal laws. DCJS plans to convert its automated systems to the 22-character format, however, DCJS has agreed to support both the 14-character charge code (see below) and the 22-character charge code pending adoption of the new format by local agencies. 14-character coding structure: Law Title 3AN Article & Section 5AN Subsection 2AN Statutory Class 1AN Category 1AN Attempt Indicator 1N Degree 1N See Appendix A for supporting documentation. This is determined by an algorithm developed and maintained by DCJS. |
| Page Info: | DATE STANDARD ESTABLISHED: 2/90 DATE STANDARD REVISED: 2/91 DATE STANDARD REVISED: 8/99 |