Criminal Defense Terms and Definitions

Fourteenth Amendment Among other matters, the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without adequate due process. Abstract of record A short, abbreviated form of the case as found in the record. Admissible evidence Evidence which can legally and properly be used in court. Allegation The assertion, declaration, or statement of a party to an action, made in a pleading, establishing what the party expects to prove. Restitution Court-ordered payment to restore goods or money to the victim of a crime by the offender. Levy A seizure; the obtaining of money by legal process through seizure and sale of property. 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) 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. Assault A willful attempt to illegally inflict injury on or threaten a person. Accessory A person who assists in the commission of a crime, either before or after the fact.

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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.