Criminal Law Terminology Glossary (A–Z) | Spanish-English
A Professional Gift to the Interpreting Community from Samuel Arcelay
Criminal Law Terminology
The Cognitive Framework: Elements of a Crime
To interpret criminal law accurately, you must understand that every crime is a math equation. It is never just "he did something bad." It is specific components that must be proven:
Actus Reus (The Guilty Act) + Mens Rea (The Guilty Mind) + Causation = Crime
To interpret criminal law accurately, you must understand that every crime is a math equation. It is never just "he did something bad." It is specific components that must be proven:
Actus Reus (The Guilty Act) + Mens Rea (The Guilty Mind) + Causation = Crime
As an interpreter, you are the voice of the statute. A slight mistranslation doesn't just cause confusion; it can change the legal nature of the allegation. For example, using the Spanish word for "Robbery" (Robo) when the English term was "Burglary" (Allanamiento) makes the defendant sound more violent than they are accused of being.
A
Accessory After the FactCómplice después del hecho
Definition: Someone who assists an offender after the crime (hiding, helping escape, etc.).
Notes: Lesser liability than principal.
Context: Criminal charges.
Notes: Lesser liability than principal.
Context: Criminal charges.
Accessory Before the FactCómplice antes del hecho
Definition: A person who helps plan or encourage a crime but is not present when it occurs.
Notes: Treated similarly to principals in many jurisdictions.
Notes: Treated similarly to principals in many jurisdictions.
AccompliceCómplice
Definition: Person who knowingly participates or assists in the commission of a crime.
AcquittalAbsolución
Definition: A formal judgment that the defendant is not guilty of the charged offense.
Actus ReusActo culpable / Actus reus
Definition: The physical act or conduct that constitutes a crime.
AdjudicationAdjudicación
Definition: The legal process of resolving a case and issuing a judgment.
AffidavitDeclaración jurada
Definition: A written statement sworn under oath.
Affirmative DefenseDefensa afirmativa
Definition: A defense where the defendant admits the act but claims justification or excuse.
Aggravated AssaultAgresión agravada
Definition: Assault involving serious injury or a deadly weapon.
AlibiCoartada
Definition: Proof that the defendant was elsewhere at the time of the alleged offense.
AppealApelación
Definition: A request to a higher court to review the decision of a lower court for legal errors.
ArraignmentLectura de cargos
Definition: First formal court appearance where charges are read and a plea is entered.
Arrest WarrantOrden de arresto
Definition: Court order authorizing law enforcement to take a person into custody.
ArsonIncendio premeditado / Delito de incendiar
Definition: Willfully setting fire to property.
AssaultAgresión
Definition: Attempt or threat to cause bodily harm.
Attempted CrimeDelito en grado de tentativa
Definition: Act of trying to commit a crime but failing to complete it.
Authority to Search (Consent)Autorización para registrar (consentimiento)
Definition: Legal permission granted voluntarily by a person for police to search property.
B
Bail / BondFianza
Definition: Money or conditions ensuring a defendant’s appearance in court.
Bail JumpingQuebrantamiento de fianza / evasión de la fianza
Definition: Failing to appear in court after being released on bail.
BatteryGolpes / Agresión física
Definition: Unlawful physical contact or touching of another person.
Bench TrialJuicio ante el juez (sin jurado)
Definition: Trial decided by a judge instead of a jury.
Bench WarrantOrden judicial de arresto
Definition: Warrant issued by a judge when a defendant fails to appear in court.
Beyond a Reasonable DoubtMás allá de toda duda razonable
Definition: Highest legal standard required to convict a defendant.
BookingRegistro policial / Fichaje
Definition: Process of recording arrest information (fingerprints, photos, charges).
BriberySoborno
Definition: Offering or accepting something of value to influence official action.
BurglaryAllanamiento con fines delictivos
Definition: Entering a structure unlawfully with intent to commit a crime.
C
Capital OffenseDelito capital
Definition: Crime punishable by the death penalty.
Chain of CustodyCadena de custodia
Definition: Documentation tracking evidence from seizure to courtroom presentation.
ChargeCargo penal / Acusación formal
Definition: Formal allegation that the defendant committed a crime.
CoercionCoerción / Compulsión
Definition: Forcing someone to act through threats or pressure.
Complaint (Criminal)Querella penal / Denuncia penal
Definition: Sworn written statement initiating charges before indictment.
Concurrent SentencesSentencias concurrentes
Definition: Sentences for multiple crimes served at the same time.
ConfessionConfesión
Definition: Statement admitting guilt.
Consecutive SentencesSentencias consecutivas
Definition: Sentences served one after another.
ConspiracyConspiración / Asociación ilícita
Definition: Agreement between two or more persons to commit a crime.
ContrabandContrabando
Definition: Illegal items such as drugs, weapons, or prohibited materials.
ConvictionCondena / Declaración de culpabilidad
Definition: Formal finding that the defendant is guilty.
Corpus DelictiCorpus delicti / Cuerpo del delito
Definition: The "body of the crime"; evidence that a crime has actually been committed.
Cross-ExaminationContrainterrogatorio
Definition: Questioning of a witness by the opposing party.
CulpabilityCulpabilidad
Definition: The degree of one's blame or responsibility for the commission of a crime.
Custodial InterrogationInterrogatorio en custodia
Definition: Questioning by law enforcement while the suspect is in custody.
D
Deadly WeaponArma mortal / Arma letal
Definition: Instrument capable of causing death or serious injury.
DefendantAcusado / Imputado
Definition: Person charged with committing a crime.
Deferred ProsecutionProcesamiento aplazado / Enjuiciamiento diferido
Definition: Agreement delaying prosecution while defendant completes requirements.
Detention HearingAudiencia de detención
Definition: Hearing to decide whether a defendant will be held in custody or released.
Discovery (Criminal)Divulgación de pruebas / Descubrimiento probatorio
Definition: Exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense.
Dismissal of ChargesDesestimación de cargos
Definition: Formal termination of criminal charges.
Disorderly ConductConducta desordenada
Definition: Behavior that disturbs the public peace or order.
Diversion ProgramPrograma de desvío
Definition: Alternative to prosecution requiring classes, treatment, or service.
Domestic Violence OffenseDelito de violencia doméstica
Definition: Crime involving abuse or threats against a household member.
Double JeopardyDoble incriminación / Doble enjuiciamiento
Definition: Constitutional prohibition against being tried twice for the same offense.
Due ProcessDebido proceso
Definition: The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights that are owed to a person.
E
EmbezzlementMalversación
Definition: Theft of assets (money or property) by a person in a position of trust.
EntrapmentInducción indebida / Entrampamiento
Definition: Defense claiming police induced the defendant to commit a crime.
EvidencePruebas / Evidencia
Definition: Information presented to prove or disprove a fact.
Ex Post Facto LawLey ex post facto
Definition: A law that retroactively changes the legal consequences of actions.
Exculpatory EvidencePruebas exculpatorias
Definition: Evidence favorable to the defendant.
Execution of SentenceEjecución de la sentencia
Definition: Carrying out the punishment ordered by the court.
Expert WitnessTestigo perito / Experto
Definition: A person permitted to testify because of special knowledge.
ExpungementExpurgación / Eliminación de antecedentes
Definition: Court order sealing or erasing criminal records.
ExtraditionExtradición
Definition: Legal process by which one jurisdiction surrenders a person to another.
Eyewitness TestimonyTestimonio de testigo presencial
Definition: Statement from a person who saw the crime occur.
F
FelonyDelito grave
Definition: Crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
Felony Murder RuleRegla de homicidio durante la comisión de un delito grave
Definition: Doctrine making participants liable for murder if a death occurs during the felony.
Forensic EvidencePruebas forenses
Definition: Scientifically analyzed evidence such as DNA or ballistics.
ForfeitureConfiscación / Decomiso penal
Definition: Government seizure of property connected to criminal activity.
FraudFraude penal
Definition: Intentional deception for financial or personal gain.
FugitivePrófugo
Definition: Person avoiding arrest or prosecution.
G
Gag OrderOrden de silencio
Definition: Court order prohibiting parties from speaking publicly about a case.
Gang EnhancementAgravante por pandillas
Definition: Additional penalty applied when a crime is committed for gang benefit.
Grand JuryGran jurado
Definition: Group of citizens deciding whether there is probable cause to indict.
Grand TheftHurto mayor / robo mayor
Definition: Theft of property above a statutory value threshold.
Grievous Bodily HarmDaño corporal grave
Definition: Serious physical injury that creates substantial risk of death.
Gunshot Residue (GSR)Residuo de disparo (GSR)
Definition: Particles left after firing a firearm, used for testing.
H
Habeas CorpusHabeas corpus (ámbito penal)
Definition: Legal petition challenging unlawful imprisonment or detention.
HarassmentAcoso / Hostigamiento
Definition: Conduct intended to alarm, annoy, or torment another person.
HearsayTestimonio de oídas / Hearsay
Definition: Statement made outside of court offered to prove the truth.
Hit-and-RunChoque y fuga
Definition: Leaving the scene of an accident without reporting.
HomicideHomicidio
Definition: Killing of one person by another.
House ArrestArresto domiciliario
Definition: Court-ordered confinement of a defendant to their residence.
Hung JuryJurado estancado / Jurado sin veredicto
Definition: Jury unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
I
Immunity AgreementAcuerdo de inmunidad
Definition: Contract granting protection from prosecution in exchange for testimony.
IncarcerationEncarcelamiento
Definition: Confinement in a jail or prison.
IndictmentAcusación formal / Acusación del gran jurado
Definition: Formal criminal charge issued by a grand jury.
InformationAcusación por información
Definition: Formal charge filed by a prosecutor without a grand jury.
Innocence ProjectProyecto Inocencia
Definition: Post-conviction claim seeking to overturn wrongful convictions.
Intent (Criminal)Intención criminal / Dolo
Definition: The resolve or determination to do a particular act.
Intimidation of a WitnessIntimidación de testigos
Definition: Threatening or influencing a witness to affect their testimony.
Involuntary ManslaughterHomicidio involuntario
Definition: Unintentional killing resulting from recklessness.
J
JailCárcel municipal / Cárcel del condado
Definition: Local detention facility for individuals awaiting trial.
Joint TrialJuicio conjunto
Definition: Trial involving multiple defendants heard together.
Judge’s InstructionsInstrucciones del juez al jurado
Definition: Legal guidance given to jurors before deliberation.
JurisdictionJurisdicción
Definition: The official power to make legal decisions and judgments.
Jury NullificationAnulación por jurado
Definition: When a jury returns a "not guilty" verdict despite believing the defendant is guilty.
Justification DefenseDefensa de justificación
Definition: Argument that conduct was legally permissible (self-defense).
Juvenile DelinquencyDelincuencia juvenil
Definition: Criminal violations committed by minors.
K
KidnappingSecuestro
Definition: Unlawful taking or confinement of a person by force.
Knife Possession (Unlawful)Posesión ilegal de arma blanca
Definition: Possessing a prohibited or concealed blade.
KnowinglyA sabiendas
Definition: Mental state in which the defendant is aware of nature of conduct.
L
LarcenyHurto / Latrocinio
Definition: Taking property with the intent to permanently deprive.
Leading QuestionPregunta sugestiva / capciosa
Definition: Question suggesting its own answer; allowed in cross-examination.
Legally InsaneLegalmente demente / Defensa por demencia
Definition: Mental state preventing understanding of wrongfulness.
Lesser-Included OffenseDelito menor incluido
Definition: Less serious offense contained within a more serious crime.
Liability (Criminal)Responsabilidad penal
Definition: Legal responsibility for committing a criminal act.
LineupRueda de reconocimiento
Definition: Procedure in which a witness identifies a suspect among several individuals.
LockupCalabozo
Definition: Holding cell in a police station or courthouse.
M
Malice AforethoughtMalicia premeditada / Alevosía
Definition: The intent to kill or cause serious injury.
Mandatory Minimum SentencePena mínima obligatoria
Definition: Statutorily required minimum term of imprisonment.
Manslaughter (Involuntary)Homicidio involuntario
Definition: Unintentional killing caused by criminal negligence.
Manslaughter (Voluntary)Homicidio voluntario
Definition: Killing committed in the heat of passion.
Mens ReaMens rea / Mente culpable
Definition: The intention or knowledge of wrongdoing.
Miranda RightsDerechos Miranda / Advertencias Miranda
Definition: Required advisement of rights prior to interrogation.
MisdemeanorDelito menor / falta
Definition: Offense punishable by up to one year in jail.
MistrialJuicio nulo / juicio inválido
Definition: Termination of trial due to error or hung jury.
Mitigating CircumstancesCircunstancias atenuantes
Definition: Factors that reduce the severity of a sentence.
MotiveMotivo
Definition: The reason why a crime was allegedly committed.
MugshotFoto policial / ficha fotográfica
Definition: Photograph taken upon booking to document suspect.
N
Necessity DefenseDefensa por necesidad
Definition: Claim that illegal action was justified to prevent greater harm.
Negligent HomicideHomicidio por negligencia
Definition: Unintentional killing resulting from failure to exercise care.
No Contest Plea (Nolo Contendere)Declaración de no me opongo / nolo contendere
Definition: Plea in which defendant accepts conviction without admitting guilt.
Non-Responsive AnswerRespuesta no responsiva
Definition: Answer that does not directly address the question.
Notice of AppealAviso de apelación
Definition: Formal document filed to initiate appellate review.
Notice to AppearAviso de comparecencia / citación para comparecer
Definition: Written order directing appearance in court instead of arrest.
O
ObjectionObjeción
Definition: Formal statement disputing admissibility of evidence.
Obstruction of JusticeObstrucción de la justicia
Definition: Interfering with investigation through threats or destruction.
OffenderDelicuente / infractor
Definition: Person convicted or accused of committing a crime.
Offense LevelNivel de delito
Definition: Number assigned to a crime under sentencing guidelines.
Offer of ProofOferta de prueba
Definition: Attorney’s explanation of what excluded evidence would have shown.
Opening StatementDeclaración de apertura
Definition: First statement to jury summarizing expected evidence.
OverruleObjeción denegada
Definition: Judge determines objection is not valid and testimony may continue.
P
ParoleLibertad condicional
Definition: Supervised release after serving part of a prison sentence.
PerjuryPerjurio
Definition: Knowingly making a false statement under oath.
Plea BargainAcuerdo de culpabilidad
Definition: Negotiated agreement where defendant pleads guilty to reduced charges.
Preponderance of the EvidencePreponderancia de la prueba
Definition: Standard requiring that something is more likely true than not (51%).
PSI ReportInforme de investigación previo a la sentencia
Definition: Report summarizing defendant background to assist in sentencing.
Presumption of InnocencePresunción de inocencia
Definition: Principle that a defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty.
Pretrial HearingAudiencia previa al juicio
Definition: Court proceeding to address motions, discovery, and scheduling.
PrisonPrisión / penitenciaría
Definition: Facility for long-term sentences after felony convictions.
Probable CauseCausa probable
Definition: Reasonable belief that a person committed a crime.
ProbationLibertad a prueba
Definition: A period of supervision over an offender instead of prison.
Prosecutorial MisconductMala conducta del fiscal
Definition: Improper actions by prosecutor (e.g., withholding evidence).
Protective Order (Criminal)Orden de protección penal
Definition: Court order prohibiting contact or threats toward a victim.
Public DefenderDefensor público
Definition: Attorney appointed by the court to represent indigent defendants.
Q
Quash (Motion to Quash)Anular / invalidar (moción para anular)
Definition: Request that the court set aside a subpoena, indictment, or warrant.
Quid Pro Quo (Criminal)Quid pro quo / intercambio indebido
Definition: Exchange of something of value for influence or action.
R
RacketeeringChantaje / Crimen organizado
Definition: Dishonest and fraudulent business dealings (RICO Act).
Rebuttal EvidencePrueba de refutación
Definition: Evidence presented to counter the opposing party’s case.
RecidivismReincidencia
Definition: Tendency of a convicted offender to commit new crimes.
RecklessnessImprudencia temeraria
Definition: Conscious disregard of a substantial and unjustifiable risk.
Resisting ArrestResistirse al arresto
Definition: Intentionally preventing an officer from lawfully arresting.
RestitutionRestitución
Definition: Court-ordered repayment to victims for financial losses.
Revocation (Probation/Parole)Revocación
Definition: Termination of supervised release due to violation.
RobberyRobo con violencia / robo con fuerza
Definition: Taking property from a person by force or threat.
Ruling (Judge’s Ruling)Decisión del juez / fallo
Definition: Formal judicial decision resolving a legal issue.
S
Search WarrantOrden de registro / orden de allanamiento
Definition: Judicial authorization permitting law enforcement search.
Self-DefenseLegítima defensa
Definition: Justification for using force to protect oneself from harm.
Sentencing GuidelinesGuías de sentencia
Definition: Structured framework determine appropriate punishment.
Sex Offender RegistryRegistro de ofensores sexuales
Definition: Official database listing individuals convicted of sex offenses.
Sexual AssaultAgresión sexual
Definition: Any non-consensual sexual contact or activity.
ShopliftingHurto en tiendas
Definition: Theft of merchandise from a retail establishment.
Side-BarConferencia privada con el juez / sidebar
Definition: Private discussion between judge and counsel out of jury's hearing.
Solicitation (Criminal)Solicitación criminal / instigación
Definition: Encouraging or requesting another person to commit a crime.
Statute of LimitationsEstatuto de limitaciones / prescripción
Definition: Time limit within which prosecution must begin.
Sting OperationOperativo encubierto
Definition: Operation designed to catch a suspect committing a crime.
Strict Liability CrimesDelitos de responsabilidad estricta
Definition: Crimes that do not require proof of intent (mens rea).
SubpoenaCitatorio / citación judicial
Definition: Legal order requiring a person to appear in court.
Suppress (Motion to Suppress)Suprimir (moción para suprimir pruebas)
Definition: Request to exclude illegally obtained evidence.
Suspended SentenceCondena suspendida
Definition: Sentence imposed but not executed as long as conditions are met.
T
TestimonyTestimonio / declaración
Definition: Evidence given by a witness under oath.
Threat (Criminal Threats)Amenaza criminal
Definition: Communication expressing intent to cause harm.
Three-Strikes LawLey de tres strikes / ley de reincidencia habitual
Definition: Sentencing scheme imposing life sentences on repeat offenders.
Toxicology ReportInforme toxicológico
Definition: Laboratory analysis identifying drugs or poisons.
Trafficking (Human or Drug)Trata / tráfico (humano o drogas)
Definition: Illegal transport or trade of people or goods.
TrespassAllanamiento / entrada ilícita
Definition: Unlawful entry onto another person’s property.
Trial De NovoJuicio de novo / juicio nuevo
Definition: New trial conducted as if no previous trial occurred.
U
Unlawful DetentionDetención ilegal
Definition: Holding a person without legal justification.
Use of ForceUso de fuerza
Definition: Application of physical force by police or individuals.
Uttering a Forged InstrumentUso de documento falso
Definition: Passing or presenting a forged document knowing it is false.
V
VandalismVandalismo / daños a la propiedad
Definition: Intentional destruction or defacement of property.
Vehicular ManslaughterHomicidio vehicular
Definition: Killing caused by negligent or reckless driving.
VerdictVeredicto
Definition: Decision made by judge or jury regarding guilt.
Victim Impact StatementDeclaración de impacto de la víctima
Definition: Statement describing how the crime affected the victim.
Violation of ProbationViolación de la libertad condicional
Definition: Failure to comply with terms of probation.
Voir DireInterrogatorio del jurado / voir dire
Definition: Process of questioning potential jurors for bias.
W
Waiver of RightsRenuncia de derechos
Definition: Voluntary and knowing relinquishment of constitutional protections.
Warrant (Arrest Warrant)Orden de arresto
Definition: Court order authorizing law enforcement to detain an individual.
Weapon EnhancementAgravante por arma
Definition: Increased penalty for using or possessing a weapon during a crime.
White Collar CrimeDelito de cuello blanco
Definition: Non-violent crimes committed by professionals (fraud).
Witness IntimidationIntimidación de testigos
Definition: Threats or coercion used to influence testimony.
Writ of CertiorariAuto de certiorari
Definition: Order by a higher court to review the decision of a lower court.
X
X-Ray Evidence (Forensic)Prueba radiográfica / radiografías forenses
Definition: Imaging used to identify injuries, bullets, or fractures.
Y
Yielding StatementDeclaración de admisión parcial
Definition: Statement in which defendant concedes part of an accusation.
Youthful OffenderInfractor juvenil / joven delincuente
Definition: Young adult given special youth court status for reduced penalties.
Z
Zero-Tolerance PolicyPolítica de tolerancia cero
Definition: Strict enforcement of law without exceptions or discretion.
Zone of DangerZona de peligro
Definition: Area in which conduct creates significant risk of harm to others.
Zoophilia (Criminal)Zoofilia (ámbito penal)
Definition: Sexual acts involving animals; criminalized as cruelty.
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