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. 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. Assault A willful attempt to illegally inflict injury on or threaten a person. Levy A seizure; the obtaining of money by legal process through seizure and sale of property. Bench warrant An order issued by the court for the arrest of a person Admissible evidence Evidence which can legally and properly be used in court. Burglary The unlawful breaking into or entering of a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a serious crime or theft. Allegation The assertion, declaration, or statement of a party to an action, made in a pleading, establishing what the party expects to prove. 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.

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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.