High Crime Law and Legal Definition
High crime refers to a crime that is one nearly allied to and equal in guilt to felony. In Scott v. State, 101 Fla. 250 (Fla. 1931), it was held that an individual's mere presence in an area of high crime is insufficient to justify a warrantless search. Additionally, the stop cannot be used as a pretext to investigate the suspect's suspicious conduct. The defense of one charged with high crime, is a serious undertaking, and should not be considered lightly.
Every defendant charged with a high crime is entitled to know specifically and particularly what felony is laid to his/her charge. A person on trial for a high crime is also entitled to a fair and impartial trial before an impartial jury.
