Criminal Defense Terms and Definitions

Felony A felony is a major crime for which the maximum imprisonment is more than one year in a state correctional institution. The court may also impose a fine. Felonies are classified into four categories: capital, 1st degree, 2nd degree, and 3rd degree Embezzlement The fraudulent appropriation by a person to his own use or benefit of property or money entrusted to him by another. Allegation The assertion, declaration, or statement of a party to an action, made in a pleading, establishing what the party expects to prove. 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) Fraud An intentional perversion of truth; deceitful practice or device resorted to with intent to deprive another of property or other right. Subpoena An official order to appear in court (or at a deposition) at a specific time. Failure to obey a subpoena to appear in court is punishable as a contempt of court. Miranda rule The rule, pronounced in Miranda v. Arizona, that confessions are inadmissible in a criminal prosecution if the police do not advise the suspect in custody of certain rights before questioning. Restitution Court-ordered payment to restore goods or money to the victim of a crime by the offender. Assault A willful attempt to illegally inflict injury on or threaten a person. Abstract of record A short, abbreviated form of the case as found in the record.

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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.