DEFINITION OF LESSER OFFENSE

• Category: Federal - Jury Instructions - 6th Circuit - Criminal
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-JURY-6THCIR-CR-2-03
• Format: Word

Description

DEFINITION OF LESSER OFFENSE Definition of lesser offense is a term used to describe an offense that is less serious than the offense with which the accused is charged. It is often referred to as a “downgrade” or “reduction” in the charge. Examples of lesser offenses can include reduced charges such as Battery instead of Assault, Theft instead of Burglary, or DUI instead of Reckless Driving. In some cases, the lesser offense may even be a misdemeanor instead of a felony. In some states, plea bargaining is allowed to reduce the charge to a lesser offense. In other states, the prosecutor might be willing to reduce the charge if the accused is willing to accept a plea bargain.

Definition of lesser offense is a term used to describe an offense that is less serious than the offense with which the accused is charged. It is often referred to as a “downgrade” or “reduction” in the charge. Examples of lesser offenses can include reduced charges such as Battery instead of Assault, Theft instead of Burglary, or DUI instead of Reckless Driving. In some cases, the lesser offense may even be a misdemeanor instead of a felony. In some states, plea bargaining is allowed to reduce the charge to a lesser offense. In other states, the prosecutor might be willing to reduce the charge if the accused is willing to accept a plea bargain.