Criminal Defense Terms and Definitions

Fraud An intentional perversion of truth; deceitful practice or device resorted to with intent to deprive another of property or other right. Fourth Amendment The 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects every person against unreasonable search and seizure by government officials. Burglary The unlawful breaking into or entering of a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a serious crime or theft. Circumstantial evidence All evidence of an indirect nature. Testimony not based on actual personal knowledge or observation of the facts in controversy. Accessory A person who assists in the commission of a crime, either before or after the fact. 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. Abstract of record A short, abbreviated form of the case as found in the record. 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

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	Did You Know?
	There are 3 basic types with standard of proof There are essentially three standards of proof applicable in most court proceedings. In criminal and delinquency cases, the offense must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, the highest standard. In civil cases and neglect and dependency proceedings, the lowest standard applies by a mere preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not). In some civil cases, and in juvenile proceedings such a permanent termination of parental rights, an intermediate standard applies: proof by clear and convincing evidence.