Digital forensics is the process of proving criminal charges by collecting and analyzing digital evidence which is related to the crime in question. Most digital forensic research is focused on digital forensic techniques themselves or cyber crime. In this paper, we designed a digital forensics-criminal investigation linked model in order to effectively apply digital forensics to various types of criminal investigations. Digital forensic ontology was developed based on this model. For more effective application of digital forensics to criminal investigation we derived specific application fields. The ontology has legality rules and adequacy rules, so it can support investigative decision-making. The ontology can be developed into an intelligent criminal investigation system.