Although fairly standard in the law enforcement and court arena, some terms may
appear on criminal records that are unfamiliar to the layperson. The following includes
some of the terms we have seen on criminal records we have processed over the years.
Also included are some we thought would be useful in understanding the law enforcement/judicial
process.
Although most of the definitions have been verified through standard dictionaries
and authoritative reference books, always consider the context in which the word
is used. Watch also the use of "degrees," such as one, two and three,
voluntary or involuntary, petty or grand. In many cases, these are assigned for
purposes of applying fines or punishment and may be relevant to you in making your
employment decision.
This list should be used only as a guide in interpreting criminal record information.
Some jurisdictions may interpret some of the terms contained herein differently.
This glossary should not be considered to be all-inclusive nor is it intended to
constitute legal advice. It is especially important to consult legal counsel when
making difficult decisions based on court records.