Legal Definitions - count

Count

Count refers to a specific accusation or charge in a legal case. It is a cause of action in civil cases or an offense in criminal cases. Each lawsuit can involve multiple counts in which someone can be held liable.

In a criminal case, a defendant may face multiple counts of different crimes. For example, a person accused of robbery may face counts of theft, assault, and possession of a weapon.

In a civil case, a plaintiff may bring multiple counts against a defendant. For example, a person injured in a car accident may bring counts of negligence, recklessness, and intentional harm against the driver who caused the accident.

These examples illustrate how a count is a specific accusation or charge in a legal case. Each count represents a separate offense or cause of action that must be proven in court.