Common Law and TCA Definitions of Criminal Offenses

unlawful assembly

A gathering of three or more people for an unlawful purpose or in an unlawful manner that disturbs the peace of the community.

rout

Involves physical conduct toward an unlawful purpose.

riot

A public disturbance involving three or more people acting tumultuously and violently, creating danger or obstructing law enforcement.

aggravated riot

Bodily injury to a non-participant or substantial property damage.

affray

An illegal public fight where both parties are mutually at fault.

disorderly conduct

Fighting, refusing to disperse near hazards, or creating offensive conditions without legitimate purpose.

civil disorder

A violent disturbance by two or more persons that causes or risks injury or property damage.

aggressive panhandling

Touching, obstructing, following someone, or causing fear during a solicitation.

vandalism

Knowingly causing damage to another's property without effective consent.

harassment

Threats or unwanted communications made with intent to annoy, offend, alarm, or frighten.

unlawful photographing

Taking photos without consent that would embarrass or focus on intimate areas for sexual gratification.

bribery

Offering or accepting a benefit to influence a public servant's official action.

official misconduct

A public servant acting beyond or neglecting their duties with intent to benefit or harm.

perjury

Intentionally making a false statement under oath, believing it untrue and material to the case.

subornation of perjury

Inducing another person to commit perjury.

defense of insanity

An affirmative defense that the defendant could not appreciate the wrongfulness of the act due to severe mental disease.

voluntary intoxication

If it negates a culpable mental state required for the offense.

mistake of fact

When it negates the required mental state for the crime.

duress

Being compelled to commit a crime due to imminent threat of serious harm.

entrapment

Law enforcement inducing an otherwise unwilling person to commit a crime.

self-defense

Must reasonably believe force is necessary and be in a place where the person has a right to be.

necessity defense

Conduct must be immediately necessary to prevent greater imminent harm.

statute of limitations

A defined time limit for the state to initiate prosecution after a crime occurs.

immunity

Authority of prosecutors to compel testimony by granting immunity from prosecution.

obstruction of justice

Any act that hinders the administration of justice, including resisting or evading arrest.