Compounding A Felony Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Compounding A Felony.

Compounding A Felony (noun)

Definition: "Compounding A Felony" is the act in which a victim of a serious crime (the felony) agrees not to report the crime, to abstain from filing a lawsuit, or to hide evidence against the offender. This agreement usually involves receiving something in return, such as money, return of stolen goods, repair costs for damages caused, etc. Thus, it essentially is creating a bribe-like situation to prevent justice from being carried out. This act itself is illegal and can further complicate legal proceedings.