Crime Writer’s Dictionary: From ICE to Justifiable Homicide

Crime writer's dictionary

 

“We’d better jet, Spanky, Jr. Here comes Pork Chop Ledbetter and he’s totin’ that nine with one in the pipe!”

Not familiar with the terminology? No problem. Here’s I through J from our handy-dandy, mini crime writer’s dictionary.

I.

ICE – Immigration and Customs Enforcement

ICE is also an acronym for “in case of emergency,” and it’s a nickname for methamphetamine.

Illegal – Not authorized by law.

Illegally Obtained Evidence – Evidence obtained in violation of a person’s rights (officers had no warrant or probable cause to arrest, seize property, etc.).

Imminent – Near at hand. “The threat to his life was imminent.”

Imprisonment – Detention of a person against their will/wishes.

IMGP0336

Indecent – Offensive. Obscene. Vulgar. (See politician).

§ 18.2-67.2. Inanimate object sexual penetration; penalty. (Virginia law) An accused shall be guilty of inanimate or animate object sexual penetration if he or she penetrates the labia majora or anus of a complaining witness, whether or not his or her spouse, other than for a bona fide medical purpose, or causes such complaining witness to so penetrate his or her own body with an object or causes a complaining witness, whether or not his or her spouse, to engage in such acts with any other person or to penetrate, or to be penetrated by, an animal, and

1. The complaining witness is less than 13 years of age; or

2. The act is accomplished against the will of the complaining witness, by force, threat or intimidation of or against the complaining witness or another person, or through the use of the complaining witness’s mental incapacity or physical helplessness.

Indictment – A charge, in writing, investigated and found by a grand jury.

Informer – A person who discloses information regarding violations of the law.

In jure – According to the law.

Innocent – Free from guilt.

In The Pipe – A weapon with one round in the chamber.

New Picture (6)

In The Wind – The suspect is a runner/has fled the scene. “Little Earl took off as soon as he saw the police car. Man, he was in the wind.”

J.

Jack Wagon – Jerk/idiot. “I don’t care if he is your captain, that guy’s a real jack wagon.”

JAFR – Just another f***ing rookie.

Jailitis – The mysterious illness/injury suddenly contracted the moment handcuffs are applied. “Easy, man, I have a bad heart and you’re going to make me have one of my spells. Besides, I’m allergic to jail sheets.”

Jail Credit – Time served while waiting for trial. Jail credit is deducted from the overall sentence.

Jet – Get out of here! “The cops are on the way, Boo, so I’m ’bout to jet.”

Jiggle Keys – Homemade keys used to pick (jiggle) locks on automobiles.

John Wayne – Assuming an over-the-top tough-guy role. “Old Chicken-Wing Jenkins went all John Wayne on that guy. Messed him up, too. I heard the ‘other guy’ has three broken ribs.”

New Picture

Junior Officer – Next thing to toilet tissue stuck to the bottom of a veteran officer’s shoe.

Jurisdiction – An area of authority. Sheriff Lock M. Up has jurisdiction over the entire county and all towns and cities within.

Justifiable Homicide – Killing of another in self-defense or the defense of others.