An accusatory instrument, similar to a criminal complaint, is a document which formally accuses a defendant of a criminal offense. Generally, this document must be signed by a party who has knowledge that the alleged criminal conduct took...
criminal law and procedure
(Wex page)
A party who intentionally sets fire to their property with the purpose of collecting insurance money on that property is guilty of arson with the intent to defraud an insurer. Arson with the intent to defraud an insurer is a state law offense...
(Wex page)
Compounding a crime refers to when an individual agrees not to pursue criminal charges or to prevent criminal charges in exchange for a price from an accused individual. Many jurisdictions in the United States make compounding a crime illegal...
(Wex page)
House-burning is a crime at common law. The elements of this misdemeanor are:
Malicious (the same as in the crime of arson). Burning of one's own dwelling if the structure is situated either in a city or town or so near to... (Wex page)
An initial appearance refers to a court hearing where a defendant is first brought before a judge, usually after being arrested or charged with a crime. During this hearing, the defendant is informed of the charges against them, and the judge...
(Wex page)
A crime at common law involving judicial procedure. A misdemeanor that is a failure by some person other that a principal or accessory before the fact to disclose or report knowledge that a felony has been committed. Distinguished from compounding a...
(Wex page)
Also called a warrant of removal. Pursuant to Rule 40 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, this is a writ which directs the removal of a prisoner from the district in which he is incarcerated to the district that issued the warrant (called a...