Criminal Defense Terms and Definitions

Levy A seizure; the obtaining of money by legal process through seizure and sale of property. Admissible evidence Evidence which can legally and properly be used in court. Accessory A person who assists in the commission of a crime, either before or after the fact. Miranda rule 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. Abstract of record A short, abbreviated form of the case as found in the record. Embezzlement The fraudulent appropriation by a person to his own use or benefit of property or money entrusted to him by another. 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. Fraud An intentional perversion of truth; deceitful practice or device resorted to with intent to deprive another of property or other right. 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. 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

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	Did You Know?
	Plea Bargaining - a process whereby the prosecutor and defense attorney negotiate Process whereby the prosecutor and defense attorney negotiate a mutually satisfactory disposition of the case. The court and the defendant must approve of any settlements. For example, a guilty plea may be exchanged for a lesser charge or a sentencing recommendation, or for dismissal of one or more of the charges in a multi-count information, or for dismissal of another case.