Criminal Law Terms and Definitions

Admissible evidence
Any evidence, testimonial, documentary, or physical evidence that may be introduced in a court of law.

Felony
A felony is a serious crime for which the maximum imprisonment is more than one year in a state correctional institution. The court may also impose a fine. Felonies are classified into four categories: capital, 1st degree, 2nd degree, and 3rd degree

Allegation
The assertion, declaration, or statement of a party to an action, made in a pleading, establishing what the party expects to prove.

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.

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.

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.

Burglary
The unlawful breaking into or entering of a building or dwelling with the intent to commit a serious crime or theft.

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.

Accessory
A person who assists in the commission of a crime, either before or after the fact.

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)

Circumstantial evidence
All evidence of an indirect nature. Testimony not based on actual personal knowledge or observation of the facts in controversy.

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.

Definitions from Wikipedia.com and RaleighCriminalDefenseAttorney.com