Abstract: The subject of this research is the penal characteristics of an individual sentenced to imprisonment. The object of this research is the social relations emerged in the process of determining penal characteristics of an individual sentenced to imprisonment. The goal is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of penal characteristics of a convict and suggestion of solutions to the problem in the indicated area of scientific knowledge. The main objectives of the study are: definition of the concept of penal characteristics of a convict; consideration of various approaches of penal law scholars towards the problem of penal characteristics of a convict; suggestion of the original model for determining penal characteristics of a convict. In the course of this research, the author develops the conceptual theoretical model of penal characteristics of a convict, which carries an applied character and can be used in taking a special census of convicts sentenced in 2018-2019. The obtained conclusions can be valuable for the employees of correctional facilities of penal system, as well as further scientific research on the topic.