Criminal Law Glossary
Explained by
Farra Law Firm
100+ Legal Terms You Should Know If You’re Facing Charges in Kentucky
The criminal justice system is full of confusing legal jargon. If you’ve been charged, investigated, or even just contacted by law enforcement, understanding the words being used is critical to protecting yourself.
That’s why Farra Law Firm created this clear, easy-to-understand glossary of 100+ criminal law terms — complete with definitions and real-life examples based on Kentucky law and courtroom experience.
Don’t worry — we’re not here to teach legal theory. We’re here to explain what these terms actually mean for you and your case.
A
Accessory
Definition: A person who helps someone commit a crime but is not present during the act.
Example: Providing tools for a burglary but not entering the house.
Accomplice
Definition: A person who knowingly participates in a crime.
Example: Driving the getaway car in a robbery.
Acquittal
Definition: A legal finding of “Not Guilty.”
Example: A jury finds you not guilty of DUI.
Affidavit
Definition: A sworn written statement used as evidence.
Example: A witness signs an affidavit about what they saw.
Alibi
Definition: Proof that you were elsewhere when a crime occurred.
Example: Security footage shows you at work during the crime.
Appeal
Definition: A request for a higher court to review a decision.
Example: Appealing a conviction due to legal error.
Arraignment
Definition: The first court appearance where charges are read.
Example: Entering a “Not Guilty” plea at arraignment.
Arrest Warrant
Definition: A court order authorizing law enforcement to make an arrest.
Example: A judge issues a warrant for theft charges.
Assault
Definition: A threat or attempt to cause immediate bodily harm.
Example: Raising a fist during an argument.
B
Battery
Definition: Unlawful physical contact or harm.
Example: Punching someone during a fight.
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
Definition: The highest standard of proof in criminal law.
Example: Required for a guilty verdict.
Bond
Definition: Money paid to secure release before trial.
Example: Posting a $1,000 bond after arrest.
Booking
Definition: The process after arrest involving fingerprints and photographs.
Example: Police record your information at the station.
Burden of Proof
Definition: The obligation to prove allegations in court.
Example: The prosecution must prove guilt.
Burglary
Definition: Unlawful entry into a structure with intent to commit a crime.
Example: Breaking into a garage to steal tools.
C
Case Dismissal
Definition: When a judge or prosecutor drops the criminal charges.
Example: A drug charge is dismissed because the police conducted an illegal search.
Charge
Definition: A formal accusation that someone committed a crime.
Example: Being charged with fourth-degree assault in Jefferson County.
Circumstantial Evidence
Definition: Indirect evidence that suggests a fact but does not directly prove it.
Example: Finding your fingerprints near stolen property, even if no one saw you take it.
Citation
Definition: A written notice requiring you to appear in court.
Example: Receiving a citation for marijuana possession or a traffic violation.
Concurrent Sentence
Definition: Multiple sentences served at the same time.
Example: Serving a 2-year sentence and a 3-year sentence simultaneously.
Consecutive Sentence
Definition: Multiple sentences served one after another.
Example: Finishing a 2-year sentence before beginning a 3-year sentence.
Conviction
Definition: A formal finding of guilt after a trial or guilty plea.
Example: Pleading guilty to theft results in a criminal conviction.
Counsel
Definition: A lawyer representing a defendant.
Example: Hiring Farra Law Firm as your criminal defense counsel.
Court-Appointed Attorney
Definition: A lawyer provided by the court if a defendant cannot afford one.
Example: Receiving a public defender for a drug possession charge.
Crime
Definition: An act that violates criminal law and is punishable by the government.
Example: DUI, theft, assault, and drug trafficking are crimes under Kentucky law.
Criminal Complaint
Definition: A formal document filed by a prosecutor outlining the criminal charges.
Example: A complaint filed after an arrest for domestic violence.
Criminal Record
Definition: A documented history of a person’s arrests, charges, and convictions.
Example: A background check revealing a past misdemeanor conviction.
D
Defendant
Definition: The person accused of committing a crime.
Example: The defendant appears in Louisville District Court for arraignment.
Deferred Sentence
Definition: A sentence that is postponed, often leading to dismissal if conditions are met.
Example: Completing probation successfully so the case is dismissed.
Detention
Definition: Being held in custody before trial.
Example: Remaining in jail after arrest because bond has not been posted
Discovery
Definition: The exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense before trial.
Example: Prosecutors providing body-camera footage to the defense attorney.
Disorderly Conduct
Definition: Causing public disturbance, excessive noise, or disruptive behavior.
Example: Yelling aggressively in public while intoxicated.
Diversion Program
Definition: An alternative program that can lead to dismissal if completed successfully.
Example: Completing a theft-awareness class instead of receiving a conviction.
Domestic Violence
Definition: Assault or threatening behavior toward a household or family member.
Example: A physical altercation between spouses leading to charges.
Double Jeopardy
Definition: Being tried twice for the same crime, which is prohibited under the U.S. Constitution.
Example: A person acquitted of theft cannot be retried for the same theft.
DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
Definition: Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Example: Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above 0.08%.
Due Process
Definition: The constitutional right to fair legal procedures.
Example: Police must follow proper procedures before searching your home.
Dismissed With Prejudice
Definition: A case that is permanently dismissed and cannot be refiled.
Example: Charges dropped permanently due to insufficient evidence.
Dismissed Without Prejudice
Definition: A case that is dismissed but can potentially be filed again later.
Example: Prosecutors dismiss charges while continuing an investigation.
E
Evidence
Definition: Information used to prove or disprove a fact in court.
Example: The defendant appears in Louisville District Court for arraignment.
Exclusionary Rule
Definition: Illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in court.
Example: Drugs found during an unlawful search are suppressed.
Expungement
Definition: The legal process of sealing or removing a criminal record from public view.
Example: Clearing a dismissed misdemeanor from your record.
Extradition
Definition: The legal process of transferring a person from one state to another for prosecution.
Example: Being returned to Kentucky after an out-of-state arrest on a warrant.
F
Felony
Definition: A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
Example: Robbery, drug trafficking, or felony assault.
Field Sobriety Test
Definition: On-the-spot physical tests used to check for impairment.
Example: Walking in a straight line during a DUI stop.
Forgery
Definition: Falsifying a document with intent to defraud.
Example: Signing someone else’s name on a check.
Fraud
Definition: Deception used for financial or personal gain.
Example: Submitting false insurance claims.
G
Grand Jury
Definition: A group that reviews evidence to decide whether to issue an indictment.
Example: A grand jury indicts someone for drug trafficking.
Guilty Plea
Definition: Admitting responsibility for the charged offense.
Example: Pleading guilty to DUI in exchange for reduced penalties.
Forgery
Definition: Falsifying a document with intent to defraud.
Example: Signing someone else’s name on a check.
Fraud
Definition: Deception used for financial or personal gain.
Example: Submitting false insurance claims.
H
Habeas Corpus
Definition: A legal action challenging unlawful detention.
Example: Filing to contest being held without proper charges.
Hearsay
Definition: An out-of-court statement offered as evidence, usually not allowed.
Example: “Someone told me he did it.”
Hung Jury
Definition: When jurors cannot reach a unanimous decision.
Example: A mistrial declared after deadlock.
I
Immunity
Definition: Protection from prosecution in exchange for testimony.
Example: A witness testifies in exchange for immunity.
Indictment
Definition: A formal charge issued by a grand jury.
Example: Indictment for felony assault.
Injunction
Definition: Court order requiring someone to do or stop doing something.
Example: A restraining order prohibiting contact.
Intent
Definition: The mental decision to commit a crime.
Example: Planning a theft shows criminal intent.
J
Jail
Definition: Local facility for short-term detention.
Example: Being held in Louisville Metro Corrections.
Jury Trial
Definition: Trial decided by a group of citizens.
Example: A 12-person jury decides guilt in a felony case.
Judgment
Definition: The court’s final decision in a case.
Example: Entering judgment after sentencing.
L
Lesser Included Offense
Definition: A smaller crime contained within a greater charge.
Example: Assault as a lesser offense to attempted murder.
License Suspension
Definition: Temporary removal of driving privileges.
Example: Losing your license after a DUI arrest.
M
Misdemeanor
Definition: A smaller crime contained within a greater charge.
Example: Shoplifting a small item.
Miranda Rights
Definition: Temporary removal of driving privileges.
Example: Losing your license after a DUI arrest.
Motion
Definition: A formal request made to the court.
Example: Filing a motion to suppress evidence.
Mistrial
Definition: A trial declared invalid before a verdict is reached.
Example: Jury misconduct causes mistrial.
N
Negligence
Definition: Failure to use reasonable care.
Example: Causing injury by reckless driving.
No Contest Plea (Nolo Contendere)
Definition: Accepting punishment without admitting guilt.
Example: Pleading no contest to a minor theft.
Not Guilty Plea
Definition: Denying the charges and requesting trial.
Example: Pleading not guilty at arraignment.
O
Objection
Definition: A formal protest during trial.
Example: Attorney objects to improper testimony.
Offense
Definition: A violation of the law.
Example: Drug possession is a criminal offense.
P
Parole
Definition: Conditional early release from prison.
Example: Release after serving part of a sentence.
Parole Violation
Definition: Breaking parole conditions.
Example: Missing a required meeting.
Plea Bargain
Definition: Agreement to plead guilty to a lesser charge.
Example: Pleading to reckless driving instead of DUI.
Pretrial Conference
Definition: Meeting before trial to discuss issues.
Example: Attorneys meet with the judge to schedule hearings.
Probable Cause
Definition: Reasonable belief a crime occurred.
Example: Smell of marijuana justifying a search.
Probation
Definition: Supervised release instead of jail.
Example: Completing community service under probation.
Probation Violation
Definition: Breaking probation rules.
Example: Failing a drug test.
Prosecutor
Definition: Government attorney who brings charges.
Example: Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecuting a felony case.
Public Defender
Definition: Court-appointed defense lawyer.
Example: Assigned if you cannot afford private counsel.
R
Recidivism
Definition: Reoffending after prior conviction.
Example: Multiple burglary arrests.
Restitution
Definition: Payment to a victim for losses.
Example: Repaying a store after theft.
Restraining Order
Definition: Court order limiting contact.
Example: Domestic violence protective order.
Right to Counsel
Definition: Constitutional right to an attorney.
Example: Asking for a lawyer during questioning.
Right to Remain Silent
Definition: Protection against self-incrimination
Example: Refusing to answer police questions.
S
Search Warrant
Definition: Court order allowing police to search a location.
Example: Warrant to search a house for stolen goods.
Seizure
Definition: Taking property as evidence.
Example: Police seize illegal drugs.
Self-Defense
Definition: Using force to protect yourself.
Example: Defending against an attacker.
Sentencing
Definition: Court-imposed punishment.
Example: One year in jail for assault.
Sexual Assault
Definition: Non-consensual sexual contact.
Example: Forcing unwanted physical contact.
Statute of Limitations
Definition: Time limit to file charges.
Example: Theft must be charged within a certain period.
Subpoena
Definition: Court order to appear or produce evidence.
Example: Witness subpoenaed to testify.
Summons
Definition: Notice requiring court appearance.
Example: Summons for traffic violation.
Suppression Hearing
Definition: Hearing to determine if evidence is excluded.
Example: Challenging illegally seized drugs.
T
Testimony
Definition: Statement made under oath.
Example: Witness describing what they saw.
Theft
Definition: Taking property without permission.
Example: Shoplifting from a store.
Traffic Violation
Definition: Breaking traffic laws.
Example: Speeding.
Trial
Definition: Court proceeding to determine guilt.
Example: Jury trial for felony charges.
U
Unlawful Detention
Definition: Holding someone without legal basis.
Example: Police detain someone without probable cause.
V
Verdict
Definition: Final decision of guilt or innocence.
Example: Jury returns “not guilty.”
Violation of Probation
Definition: Breaking probation terms.
Example: Missing a probation check-in.
Victim Impact Statement
Definition: Statement describing harm caused by a crime.
Example: Victim speaks at sentencing.
Voir Dire
Definition: Jury selection process.
Example: Attorneys question potential jurors.
W
Warrant
Definition: Court order authorizing arrest or search.
Example: Judge signs arrest warrant.
Witness
Definition: Person who provides testimony.
Example: Neighbor testifies in assault case.
Wanton Endangerment
Definition: Recklessly creating risk of injury.
Example: Firing a gun into the air in a crowd.
Weapons Charge
Definition: Illegal possession or use of a weapon.
Example: Carrying a firearm unlawfully.
White Collar Crime
Definition: Non-violent financial crime.
Example: Embezzlement or identity theft.
Witness Tampering
Definition: Interfering with a witness’s testimony.
Example: Threatening someone to avoid court.
Wrongful Arrest
Definition: Arrest without legal justification.
Example: Being arrested without probable cause.
Why This Matters
Understanding your charges isn’t optional — it’s essential. Knowing the difference between probable cause and reasonable suspicion, or between diversion and deferred sentencing, can shape how you respond to police, prosecutors, and court.