certain person

English

Etymology

The heading of the relevant section of the criminal code; e.g.:

• 2020 Arkansas Code § 5-73-103 "Possession of firearms by certain persons"
• NJ Rev Stat § 2C:39-7 (2019) "Certain persons not to have weapons or ammunition"

Noun

certain person (plural certain persons)

1. (US, criminal law, informal) [in relation to a specific action] a person who is a member of a specific class for whom the action constitutes a crime; typically the action is possession of a weapon and the class is convicted felons
   • What is a “Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons″ Offense in New Jersey? Chamlin Uliano & Walsh

     A Certain Persons Offense is considered a Fourth Degree Crime, punishable by a maximum term of 18 months in New Jersey State Prison if the defendant satisfies any of the criteria for a “certain person” and is found in possession of any of the above weapons other than a firearm.

   • 2017 April 17, Two Arrested On Suspicion Of Breaking Into Many Cars, One Wanted‎^[1]:

     Julio Cesar Salas, 20, of Fort Smith is facing two counts of felony breaking and entering, theft of property, theft of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a certain person, one count of felony possession of a controlled substance, as well as three counts of misdemeanor theft of property, and one count of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and fleeing.

2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see certain,‎ person.