### Question
What does prior sex conviction mean?


### Answer
**Prior sex conviction** has the following meaning in *18 U.S.C. § 3559*:

> a conviction for which the sentence was imposed before the conduct occurred constituting the subsequent Federal sex offense, and which was for a Federal sex offense or a State sex offense

#### Citation:
  - *18 U.S.C. § 3559*
  - Heading: **PART II-CRIMINAL PROCEDURE > CHAPTER 227-SENTENCES > SUBCHAPTER A-GENERAL PROVISIONS**

