Lesser Included Offense

Share This
« Back to Glossary Index

If a crime contains a lesser included offense, the lesser one is not counted as a separate crime

In most jurisdictions, lesser included offenses are not allowed to be charged separately since the lesser crime is already included in the larger one. You would be effectively punishing the defendant twice under the same set of facts.

For example, trespassing might be considered a lesser included offense to the crime of arson, if the arsonist went on the victim’s property to commit the crime of arson.

Related Articles

Murder And Manslaughter

April 21, 2021
Within the general classification of homicide, which is legally defined as an act or omission which causes the death of another, there are the crimes of murder and manslaughter. The essential difference between murder and manslaughter is the degree of intent and requisite state of mind of the person committing the homicide. In legal terms,…
Read more →

Types of Criminal Defenses

April 21, 2021
There are a variety of criminal defenses that may allow a defendant to avoid legal responsibility for their criminal actions. This article spotlights some of the most common affirmative and mitigating defenses to crimes, such as self-defense, duress-coercion, heat of passion, diminished capacity, insanity, and temporary insanity. Understanding Criminal Defenses Presumption of Innocence Under the law,…
Read more →

Sponsors

Affiliate disclosure

GotTrouble.org is a one-stop free and open consumer information and expert resource.

Our information helps guide people through the complexity of life-changing legal, financial, and emotional challenges.

One way of doing this is by providing our visitors with a wide range of third-party resources. Some of which are affiliates.

Should you visit an affiliate, we will disclose this fact, and we may earn a commission. We ask that you use your independent judgment in deciding whether an offered service or product fits your needs and purposes.

If you have questions, please get in touch with us at inquiries@GotTrouble.org.