Criminal Defense Terms and Definitions

Dismissal without prejudice A dismissal which permits the plaintiff to sue again on the same cause of action or the state to proceed again. Dismissal with prejudice bars the right to subsequently bring an action on the same cause. Bench warrant An order issued by the court for the arrest of a person Restitution Court-ordered payment to restore goods or money to the victim of a crime by the offender. Admissible evidence Evidence which can legally and properly be used in court. 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. 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. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Methods of resolving disputes outside of official court proceedings. These methods include mediation arbitration, and conciliation. Fourth Amendment The 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects every person against unreasonable search and seizure by government officials. Levy A seizure; the obtaining of money by legal process through seizure and sale of property.

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

	Did You Know?
	Manslaughter is when a person recklessly causes the death of another 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.