Criminal Defense Terms and Definitions

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Methods of resolving disputes outside of official court proceedings. These methods include mediation arbitration, and conciliation. 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. 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. Search warrant An order issued by a judge or magistrate commanding a sheriff, constable, or other officer to search a specified location. Abstract of record A short, abbreviated form of the case as found in the record. 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) Embezzlement The fraudulent appropriation by a person to his own use or benefit of property or money entrusted to him by another. Assault A willful attempt to illegally inflict injury on or threaten a person. Bench warrant An order issued by the court for the arrest of a person

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

	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.