Abscond Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Abscond, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Abscond?

v. to travel covertly out of the jurisdiction of the courts, or to conceal oneself in order to avoid their process or to avoid arrest or prosecution by hiding.

History and Meaning of Abscond

The term "abscond" originated from the Latin word "abscondere," which means to hide or conceal. In legal terms, it refers to a person intentionally leaving a jurisdiction to avoid arrest or prosecution, or hiding to evade the authorities. Absconding is an offense, and law enforcement authorities can often issue warrants for those who go into hiding or evade the law.

Examples of Abscond

  1. John absconded from the crime scene before the police could question him.
  2. The suspect absconded to Mexico to evade the authorities after committing the crime.
  3. The defendant had been released on bail but absconded before the trial, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant.
  4. He is planning to abscond from the country to evade the legal consequences of his actions.
  5. The employee absconded with company funds and was on the run for several months before being caught.

Legal Terms Similar to Abscond

  1. Fleeing: leaving a place quickly to escape or avoid something.
  2. Escape: the act of getting away from confinement or avoiding restraint.
  3. Evasion: the act of avoiding or escaping something, especially a legal or financial obligation.
  4. Flight: running away or escaping swiftly, often to evade the law.
  5. Avoidance: the act of avoiding something, such as a law, obligation, or debt.