Русско-англо-русский юридический словарь

aggravating circumstances Circumstances that increase the seriousness or outrageousness of a given crime, which will increase the wrongdoer's penalty or punishment. For example, the crime of aggravated assault is a physical attack made worse because it is committed with a dangerous weapon, results in severe bodily injury, or is made in conjunction with another serious crime. Aggravated assault is usually considered a felony, punishable by a prison sentence. (Nolo's Plain-English Law Dictionary)

aggravating circumstance Accompanying or accessory condition, event, or fact that increases the culpability or liability of an accused. Aggravating circumstances (such as cruelty, recklessness, and malice in causing injury to others) are often considered by the courts in imposing more severe sentence than a typical sentence for similar offenses. (BusinessDictionary.com)