Criminal Defense Terms and Definitions

Restitution Court-ordered payment to restore goods or money to the victim of a crime by the offender. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Methods of resolving disputes outside of official court proceedings. These methods include mediation arbitration, and conciliation. 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. Levy A seizure; the obtaining of money by legal process through seizure and sale of property. 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 Fraud An intentional perversion of truth; deceitful practice or device resorted to with intent to deprive another of property or other right. Accessory A person who assists in the commission of a crime, either before or after the fact. 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. Burglary The unlawful breaking into or entering of a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a serious crime or theft.

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	Did You Know?
	There are 3 basic types with standard of proof There are essentially three standards of proof applicable in most court proceedings. In criminal and delinquency cases, the offense must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, the highest standard. In civil cases and neglect and dependency proceedings, the lowest standard applies by a mere preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not). In some civil cases, and in juvenile proceedings such a permanent termination of parental rights, an intermediate standard applies: proof by clear and convincing evidence.