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Simple English definitions for legal terms
compound offense
Read a random definition: malice in fact
A quick definition of compound offense:
A compound offense is when someone breaks the law by doing more than one thing wrong. It can be any type of crime, big or small. For example, if someone steals something and then hurts someone while running away, that would be a compound offense. It's like doing two bad things at once.
A more thorough explanation:
A compound offense is a violation of the law that involves multiple criminal acts. It is a combination of two or more offenses committed at the same time or in close succession.
For example, if someone breaks into a house and steals property, and then assaults the homeowner while trying to escape, they have committed a compound offense. The offense includes both burglary and assault.
Another example of a compound offense is when someone drives under the influence of alcohol and causes an accident that results in injury or death. This offense includes both DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
Compound offenses are often more serious than single offenses because they involve multiple criminal acts. The punishment for a compound offense is usually more severe than for a single offense.