A conviction is the judgment in a criminal case that an individual is guilty of a
crime. It may result from:
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a verdict or finding of guilty,
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a plea of nolo contendere (no contest).
The status of a criminal case at the time of adjudication of the claim must be determined.
Unless the claimant is actually convicted of a felony committed after October 19,
1980, the prisoner provisions in this subchapter do not apply.
NOTE: A grand jury indictment or any official act by a law enforcement agency merely charging
an individual with a felony will not delay entitlement to or payment of benefits.
However, if an individual is convicted of a felony but the conviction is under appeal,
the prisoner provisions do apply.