Legal Definitions - twist

A "twist" is a slang term used in the legal system to describe an individual who provides information or testimony to law enforcement or prosecutors in a criminal case. This person's primary motivation for cooperating is to receive a reduced sentence, lesser charges, or other favorable treatment in connection with their own criminal charges, rather than receiving financial compensation for their assistance.

Here are some examples illustrating the term:

• Example 1: Drug Trafficking Case
  Imagine a scenario where a low-level drug dealer, caught with a significant amount of illegal narcotics, is facing a lengthy prison sentence. To avoid this severe penalty, the dealer offers to provide detailed information about their supplier and testify against them in court.

  In this situation, the drug dealer is acting as a twist because they are offering valuable testimony and cooperation against a higher-level criminal in exchange for a more lenient sentence for their own drug offenses, not for money.

• Example 2: Organized Crime Investigation
  Consider a person involved in a series of burglaries orchestrated by an organized crime syndicate. After being arrested, this individual realizes the extent of the evidence against them. They decide to cooperate fully with the police, identifying other members of the syndicate, detailing their roles, and agreeing to testify at trial.

  This individual becomes a twist by providing crucial testimony and insider information about the organized crime group. Their motivation is to receive a reduced sentence or other concessions for their participation in the burglaries, rather than being paid for their information.

• Example 3: Corporate Fraud Scheme
  Suppose a mid-level manager was complicit in a complex corporate fraud scheme devised by senior executives. When the fraud is uncovered, the manager is facing serious federal charges. To avoid a lengthy prison term and financial penalties, they agree to provide federal investigators with internal documents, emails, and detailed testimony that directly implicates the masterminds of the scheme.

  Here, the manager is functioning as a twist. They are offering significant evidence and testimony against their co-conspirators in exchange for a more favorable outcome in their own fraud case, such as a lighter sentence or even probation, rather than receiving monetary payment for their cooperation.