39-16-601 - Definitions for obstruction of justice offenses.
39-16-601. Definitions for obstruction of justice offenses.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) Complaining witness means a person who signs a criminal complaint;
(2) Custody means under arrest by a law enforcement officer or under restraint by a public servant pursuant to an order of a court;
(3) Escape means unauthorized departure from custody or failure to return to custody following temporary leave for a specific purpose or limited period, but does not include a violation of conditions of probation or parole; and
(4) Penal institution includes any institution or facility used to house or detain a person:
(A) Convicted of a crime;
(B) Adjudicated delinquent by a juvenile court; or
(C) Who is in direct or indirect custody after a lawful arrest.
[Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1996, ch. 1079, § 125.]