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) Assault A willful attempt to illegally inflict injury on or threaten a person. 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. Fourth Amendment The 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects every person against unreasonable search and seizure by government officials. Fraud An intentional perversion of truth; deceitful practice or device resorted to with intent to deprive another of property or other right. Dismissal without prejudice A dismissal which permits the plaintiff to sue again on the same cause of action or the state to proceed again. Dismissal with prejudice bars the right to subsequently bring an action on the same cause. Allegation The assertion, declaration, or statement of a party to an action, made in a pleading, establishing what the party expects to prove. Accessory A person who assists in the commission of a crime, either before or after the fact. Admissible evidence Evidence which can legally and properly be used in court. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Methods of resolving disputes outside of official court proceedings. These methods include mediation arbitration, and conciliation.

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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.