Definition

Noun A legal proceeding initiated by a government prosecutor against an individual or entity (the defendant) accused of violating criminal laws. It is a formal accusation that the defendant has committed a crime, and the state seeks a judgment, which may result in punishment such as imprisonment, fines, or probation.

Usage

A "criminal suit" is the formal legal action that constitutes a criminal prosecution. It is distinct from a civil suit, which involves disputes between private parties.

Examples: * The district attorney filed a criminal suit against the company for fraud. * He is a defendant in a criminal suit for assault. * The evidence was presented at the start of the criminal suit.

Advanced Usage

• To bring a criminal suit against someone: To initiate a criminal prosecution.
  • The state decided to bring a criminal suit against the suspect.
• To be named in a criminal suit: To be listed as a defendant in a criminal case.
  • The CEO was named in the criminal suit.

Variants and Related Words

• Criminal prosecution: A synonymous term for a criminal suit.
• Criminal case: Another common term for the legal proceeding.
• Civil suit: A lawsuit involving private rights and remedies, as opposed to public laws.

Synonyms

• Prosecution
• Criminal case
• Criminal proceeding
• Indictment (specifically the formal charging document)

Related Phrases

• Defendant in a criminal suit: The person accused of the crime.
• To face a criminal suit: To be subject to a criminal prosecution.
• To dismiss a criminal suit: To terminate the legal proceeding.

Noun

1. a lawsuit alleging violations of criminal law by the defendant