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Simple English definitions for legal terms
lesser offense
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A quick definition of lesser offense:
A lesser offense is a crime that is less serious than the main crime being charged. It may be included in the charges against a person, but carries a lesser punishment. For example, if someone is charged with murder, they may also be charged with the lesser offense of manslaughter. This means that if they are found guilty of manslaughter, they will receive a lighter sentence than if they were found guilty of murder. Other types of offenses include stealing someone else's property, committing a crime that is similar to another crime, and attempting to commit a crime.
A more thorough explanation:
A lesser offense is a violation of the law that is considered to be less serious than the original offense. It is also known as a lesser included offense.
For example, if someone is charged with murder, the lesser offense could be manslaughter. Manslaughter is still a serious crime, but it is considered to be less severe than murder.
Another example of a lesser offense is petty theft. This is a crime that involves stealing something that is worth a small amount of money. It is considered to be less serious than grand theft, which involves stealing something that is worth a larger amount of money.
The examples illustrate the definition because they show how a lesser offense is a crime that is similar to the original offense, but is considered to be less severe. In both cases, the lesser offense carries a lighter punishment than the original offense.