Criminal Defense Terms and Definitions

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. Admissible evidence Evidence which can legally and properly be used in court. Fraud An intentional perversion of truth; deceitful practice or device resorted to with intent to deprive another of property or other right. Assault A willful attempt to illegally inflict injury on or threaten a person. 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) 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. Circumstantial evidence All evidence of an indirect nature. Testimony not based on actual personal knowledge or observation of the facts in controversy. 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 Accessory A person who assists in the commission of a crime, either before or after the fact.

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	Did You Know?
	Miranda rule and Miranda rights are important 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. The rights include: a. The right to remain silent and to refuse to answer any questions; b. The right to know that anything the suspect says can and will be used against the suspect in a court of law; c. The right to consult with an attorney and to have an attorney present during questioning; d. The right to have counsel appointed at public expense, prior to any questioning if the suspect cannot afford counsel.