Criminal Defense Terms and Definitions

Restitution Court-ordered payment to restore goods or money to the victim of a crime by the offender. Search warrant An order issued by a judge or magistrate commanding a sheriff, constable, or other officer to search a specified location. Allegation The assertion, declaration, or statement of a party to an action, made in a pleading, establishing what the party expects to prove. Assault A willful attempt to illegally inflict injury on or threaten a person. Circumstantial evidence All evidence of an indirect nature. Testimony not based on actual personal knowledge or observation of the facts in controversy. 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) Fourth Amendment The 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects every person against unreasonable search and seizure by government officials. Fraud An intentional perversion of truth; deceitful practice or device resorted to with intent to deprive another of property or other right. Tort An injury or wrong committed, either with or without force, to the person or property of another, for which civil liability may be imposed. Misdemeanor A minor offense, lower than a felony, which is punishable by a county jail term of up to one year and/or a fine, but not prison. Misdemeanors are classified into three categories: Class A, B, and C.

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	Did You Know?
	Manslaughter is when a person recklessly causes the death of another 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.