Criminal Defense Crossword

Brought against a person who is believed to have committed a crime
The person accused of a crime is known as the
Occurs when the defendant and prosecutor negotiate an agreement to avoid going to court
This plea requires the defendant to go to court to argue the charges against him or her
the strategic argument attempting to challenge the validity and sufficiency of evidence against the defendant
Defense that seeks to prove the defendant did not commit the crime
Is a legal principle in the U.S. court system • Requires the judge and jury to assume the defendant is innocent until they are shown otherwise – means it is the prosecution’s job to prove the defendant is guilty, not the defendant’s job to prove he or she is innocent
Is the legal standard for proving guilt
the jury or judge should not _______________ based simply on thinking or assuming guilt
Is a claim or evidence to show the defendant could not have committed the crime based on when and where it occurred
Admit the defendant committed the crime, but seeks to prove he or she should not be held responsible for some reason
Is most commonly defense used in cases involving violent crimes – for example, assault or murder
Is most commonly used in cases involving minor crimes – for example, trespassing or driving violations
Claims the defendant was incapable of understanding his or her actions at the time of the crime due to mental limitations
Is most commonly defense used in cases involving intent as a major factor – meaning if the defendant accidentally committed the crime, the charge or sentence is different
Refers to when the defendant knowingly and willingly consumes the substance affecting judgement and behavior • Is not typically sufficient to disprove guilt – although it may influence sentencing
Refers to when the defendant consumes the intoxicating substance unknowingly and/or unwillingly • Is generally a more accepted defense than voluntary intoxication
Is most commonly used in cases involving crimes committed by two or more people • Claims the defendant committed the crime because someone else threatened or forced the defendant to do so
Is used in cases involving crimes influenced by law enforcement officials • Claims the defendant only committed the crime because of extreme or overbearing behavior by an officer
Is used in cases involving crimes committed by minors • Claims the defendant is too young to be emotionally and cognitively mature enough to understand the nature of his or her actions