criminal offence
- Noun:
- An act punishable by law; a violation of a criminal statute: A "criminal offence" is an act or omission that constitutes a breach of a law for which the state can prosecute and impose a penalty, such as imprisonment or a fine. It is considered a wrong against society as a whole.
- Noun:
- Theft is a serious criminal offence.
- He was charged with a criminal offence for driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Committing a criminal offence can result in a permanent criminal record.
"To be charged with a criminal offence": To be formally accused by the state of having committed a crime.
- After the investigation, she was charged with a criminal offence.
"To commit a criminal offence": To perform an act that is against the criminal law.
- He did not realize that his actions could constitute a criminal offence.
Criminal offense (n): An alternative spelling, primarily used in American English, with the same meaning.
- The lawyer specialized in defending clients accused of a criminal offense.
Offence (n): The British English spelling of "offense," which can refer to a crime, a breach of law, or a feeling of resentment.
- The new law defines this act as a specific offence. (In this context, it is synonymous with "criminal offence".)
Crime (n): An act that is illegal and punishable by law. This is a very close synonym.
- Murder is one of the most severe crimes.
- Crime: An act punishable by law.
- Felony (in some legal systems): A serious crime, typically one punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
- Misdemeanor (in some legal systems): A minor wrongdoing, a less serious crime.
- Illegal act: An action that is against the law.
Indictable offence: A serious criminal offence that requires a formal indictment and is typically tried before a judge and jury.
- Armed robbery is classified as an indictable offence.
Summary offence: A less serious criminal offence that is typically tried without a jury, often before a magistrate.
- Public nuisance is usually treated as a summary offence.
- To take offence: (Note: This idiom uses "offence" in its other common meaning of "resentment" or "annoyance," not specifically related to criminal law.) To feel upset or insulted by something.
- She tends to take offence at minor comments. (This is listed to distinguish the legal term from this common idiomatic usage.)
- (criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
- a long record of crimes