Glossary of Criminal Intent & Plea Terms New Mexico

admission of guilt- A recorded or live statement made by the accused that the crime charged was in fact committed by the accused. An admission of guilt usually occurs after the police have conducted an interrogation of the accused. It is typically preceded by Miranda warnings.

aid and abet- The act of helping someone commit a crime. Depending on the jurisdiction, such an act occurs before the crime is committed.

alias- A name used by someone other than his or her real name. It is usually used to reference that other name. It is often used to hide a person's true legal identity.

duress- Severe pressure, force, or threats that cause a person to act against his own interest. An extreme example would be a threat against a person's life if that person does not sign a property settlement agreement. Agreements signed under duress are usually voidable by the party who was subject to duress.

intent- Also known as "mens rea" or "criminal intent" it is the foundation of all criminal law. Our justice system demands that before one can be found guilty of a crime, the state must show that the person intended to do the crime. Without intent there can be no crime.

solicitation- The unlawful act of inducing another to commit a crime.

willful conduct- The term used to describe an intentional, conscious and directed act of a perpetrator in furtherance of criminal goal.

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