Super User AcquittalThe finding of not guilty.AppealThe act of seeking a higher court’s review of a lower court’s decision.ArraignmentA hearing before a judge during which the judge reads the charges to the defendant, informs the defendant of his constitutional rights, and affords the defendant the opportunity to enter a plea.ArrestThe taking of a person into custody by an officer of the law.Authorization to RepresentAgreement between defendant and attorney for legal representation in court matters.BailMoney a defendant puts up (usually a bond) to allow his or her release from custody and to guarantee his or her appearance at a future hearing.BailiffThe individual in the courtroom who helps the judge manage the evidence and maintain order in the courtroom.Beyond a Reasonable DoubtA standard of proof required to convict a person of a crime. The judge has a high degree of certainty about the defendant’s guilty, although he need not be 100 percent convinced.Burden of proofA party’s duty to prove a disputed fact.Cash Only BailDesignation on a warrant indicating that only cash bail as opposed to bond will be accepted as a condition of release from custody.ChargeThe process of accusing the defendant of a crime.Circumstantial EvidenceFacts or testimony not based on actual personal knowledge or observation, by which other non-substantiated facts can be reasonably inferred.City AttorneyProsecutor appearing on behalf of the City. Also legal advisor to the City on all matters.Closing ArgumentA speech to the judge by the prosecutor and then the defense to try to convince the judge how the evidence proves his or her side of the case.ComplaintThe written document charging an alleged criminal defendant.Contempt of CourtDeliberate disobedience of a court orderContinuanceExtension of time for appearance.COP or Change of PleaUsually from not guilty to guilty or nolo contendere (no contest).Community ServiceWork performed by defendant as alternative to fines or jail time.Credit for Time ServedInstruction from judge to allow credit for time already spent in jailDefendantThe person who is accused in a criminal case.DispositionA final settlement or determination.District AttorneyProsecutor appearing on behalf of the State. Due ProcessThe notion, grounded in the Fifth and Fourteenth amendments to the U.S. Constitution, of rights in most court and administrative proceedings to defend oneself in an orderly proceeding adapted to the nature of the case, and that every person have the protection of a day in court and the benefit of general law.DUIDriving under the influence of alcohol and/or controlled substance.FelonyThe most serious category of criminal offenses. With penalties of imprisonment ranging from a year and a day to life, or in some states, punishable by death.FindingThe determination of fact by a judge.FineThe monetary penalty assessed against a defendant.Failure to AppearFailure to appear at scheduled court date.Failure to ComplyFailure to comply with court-imposed sentence.Failure to PayFailure to pay fines.Gross MisdemeanorA crime punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, or by a fine of not more than $2000.00, or by both fine and imprisonment.HearingA scheduled appearance before a judge for determination of facts.ImprisonmentThe placement of an individual in a jail or prisonJudgmentThe official decision of the court.Leading questionA question that instructs the witness how to answer, puts words into the witness’s mouth or suggests the desired answer.Mandatory AppearanceDefendant must appear in court in person to answer to the charge (s).Miranda WarningAfter arrest and before questioning, arrested persons must be warned that: 1) they have the right to remain silent; 2) any statement they make may be used as evidence against them: 3) they have a right to the presence of an attorney; and 4) if they cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for them prior to any questioning if they so desire.MisdemeanorA crime punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than six months, or by a fine of not more than $1000.00, or by both fine and imprisonment.MotionA written or oral application requesting the Court to make a specified ruling or order.Nolo ContendereA plea of no contest.OrderAny command or instruction issued by the judge.PlaintiffPerson or entity making a charge.Probable CauseA strong belief, based on facts, that a crime has been committed, that a particular person has committed the crime and that evidence related to the crime exists.Proof DateDate by which an individual must provide proof to the Court that Court instructions have been fulfilled (i.e., proof of completion of community service).ProsecutorA public officer who conducts criminal proceedings on behalf of the state or city.RehabilitateTo permanently change behavior.RelevantDirectly related to the issue as it tends either to prove or disprove the point.RestitutionThe sentence often used instead of a fine or imprisonment, designed to restore the victim to his or her condition before the crime.ReviewPeriodic appearance ordered by the judge to determine if conditions of sentence are being followedSentenceThe time to be served in a prison or jail; also includes fine, probation, restitution and community service.Statutory Law A law enacted by a legislature.StipulationA written or oral agreement between attorneys or parties concerning some phase of a lawsuit.SubpoenaAn order compelling a witness to appear and give testimony before a court.SummonsA written notice 1) requiring the named person to appear in court on a specified day; or 2) informing the named person that a lawsuit has been started against him or her and he or she must answer.Suspended SentenceIf certain conditions are met, a jail sentence need not be served. The sentence is then suspended.TrialA formal hearing before a judge to determine guilt or innocence. Witnesses may be called and evidence is presented.Time ServedA sentence imposed by a judge indicating that the time already served is sufficient to satisfy sentence.WarrantSanction or authorization, as an arrest warrant authorizes a police officer to take an individual into custody.
