Criminal Defense Terms and Definitions

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) Circumstantial evidence All evidence of an indirect nature. Testimony not based on actual personal knowledge or observation of the facts in controversy. Abstract of record A short, abbreviated form of the case as found in the record. Bench warrant An order issued by the court for the arrest of a person Fourth Amendment The 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects every person against unreasonable search and seizure by government officials. Admissible evidence Evidence which can legally and properly be used in court. 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. Embezzlement The fraudulent appropriation by a person to his own use or benefit of property or money entrusted to him by another. Search warrant An order issued by a judge or magistrate commanding a sheriff, constable, or other officer to search a specified location.

Contact us now to obtain a free case review or more information on our Chandler Criminal Defense Lawyers.

	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.