Criminal Defense Terms and Definitions

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. 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. Embezzlement The fraudulent appropriation by a person to his own use or benefit of property or money entrusted to him by another. Burglary The unlawful breaking into or entering of a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a serious crime or theft. Assault A willful attempt to illegally inflict injury on or threaten a person. Restitution Court-ordered payment to restore goods or money to the victim of a crime by the offender. Fourth Amendment The 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects every person against unreasonable search and seizure by government officials. Bench warrant An order issued by the court for the arrest of a person Search warrant An order issued by a judge or magistrate commanding a sheriff, constable, or other officer to search a specified location. Misdemeanor A minor offense, lower than a felony, which is punishable by a county jail term of up to one year and/or a fine, but not prison. Misdemeanors are classified into three categories: Class A, B, and C.

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

	Did You Know?
	Res Ipsa Loquitur - Literally, "a thing that speaks for itself." In tort law, the doctrine which holds a defendant guilty of negligence without an actual showing that he or she was negligent. Its use is limited in theory to cases in which the cause of the plaintiff's injury was entirely under the control of the defendant, and the injury presumably could have been caused only by negligence.