Criminal Defense Terms and Definitions

Burglary The unlawful breaking into or entering of a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a serious crime or theft. Battery Actual physical violence, whether serious or minor, inflicted on a person. (A mere threat is called assault, whereas the completed act is called battery) Search warrant An order issued by a judge or magistrate commanding a sheriff, constable, or other officer to search a specified location. Levy A seizure; the obtaining of money by legal process through seizure and sale of property. Bench warrant An order issued by the court for the arrest of a person Manslaughter A person recklessly causes the death of another, or acting under extreme emotional disturbance, causes the death of another, or acting under circumstances when a person reasonably believes the circumstances provide a legal justification or excuse for his conduct constitutes manslaughter. Fraud An intentional perversion of truth; deceitful practice or device resorted to with intent to deprive another of property or other right. Fifth Amendment Among other rights, the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees that a person cannot be compelled to present self-incriminating testimony in a criminal (or juvenile) proceeding. Accessory A person who assists in the commission of a crime, either before or after the fact. Admissible evidence Evidence which can legally and properly be used in court.

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	Did You Know?
	Plea Bargaining - a process whereby the prosecutor and defense attorney negotiate Process whereby the prosecutor and defense attorney negotiate a mutually satisfactory disposition of the case. The court and the defendant must approve of any settlements. For example, a guilty plea may be exchanged for a lesser charge or a sentencing recommendation, or for dismissal of one or more of the charges in a multi-count information, or for dismissal of another case.