Tom has been in trouble with the law, but it was a misdemeanor charge, as we learn during his cross-examination. In fact, it's the first question Mr. Gilmer asks him.
"You were given thirty days once for disorderly conduct, Robinson?" asked Mr. Gilmer.
"Yes suh."
Tom goes on to say that he was in a fight with another black man. Tom also reveals that he was the one beaten in the fight. Mr. Gilmer doesn't want to hear that however; he has other interests.
"Yes, but you were convicted, weren't you?"
Atticus raised his head. "It was a misdemeanor and it's in the record, Judge." I thought he sounded tired.
"Witness'll answer, though," said Judge Taylor, just as wearily.
"Yes suh, I got thirty days."
Both Atticus and Judge Taylor can see that Mr Gilmer is simply trying to prejudice the jury against Tom, and it makes them suddenly tired of fighting the inherent racism of the town. Yet they cannot stand completely against it, & Tom is forced to admit that although it wasn't his fault, he was convicted of a misdemeanor charge.
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