extenuating circumstances
ANY INFORMATION OR EVIDENCE PRESENTED TO THE COURT REGARDING THE DEFENDANT OR THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CRIME THAT MIGHT RESULT IN REDUCED CHARGES OR A LESSER SENTENCE
Extenuating circumstance; Extenuating Circumstance; Extenuating circumstances; Mitigating circumstances; Extenuating Circumstances; Mitigating factors
n. surrounding factors (sometimes called mitigation) which make a crime appear less serious, less aggravated or without criminal intent, and thus warranting a more lenient punishment or lesser charge (manslaughter rather than murder, for example).
See also: mitigating circumstances