In simple words: This code indicates that the patient has been convicted of a crime or found liable in a civil case, but is not currently in jail.

This code is used when a patient has been convicted in civil or criminal proceedings but has not been imprisoned.It is a factor influencing health status and contact with health services, and is not a primary diagnosis.

Example 1: A patient with a history of drug abuse is convicted of possession but receives probation instead of jail time. The clinician can use Z65.0 to document this legal circumstance, which may influence the patient's ongoing treatment and recovery., A patient involved in a car accident is found liable for damages in a civil suit. They experience significant stress and anxiety related to the legal proceedings. The clinician can use Z65.0 to document this as a factor influencing their mental health., A patient is convicted of a misdemeanor and sentenced to community service.While performing their community service, they sustain an injury. The clinician uses Z65.0 to document the circumstance that led to the injury.

Documentation should clearly state the nature of the conviction, the date of the conviction, and the specific legal proceedings involved.The documentation should also explain how the conviction relates to the patient's health status or reason for the encounter.

** It is important to differentiate Z65.0 (Conviction without imprisonment) from Z65.1 (Imprisonment).Use Z65.0 only when the patient has been convicted but has not been incarcerated.