ADJOURNMENT Postponing a matter until a later date at the request of the defendant, Judge, or Prosecuting Attorney. Adjournments happen for many reasons. For example witnesses, attorneys or defendants having scheduling conflicts or are ill; yours is not the oldest case on that day's court docket; or necessary motions or legal issues have not been decided.
ADJUDICATION HEARING A court proceeding in which the guilt or innocence of the juvenile offender is determined much like a trial. If the offender pleads not guilty the proceeding is similar to a trial with testimony and evidence presented to the Judge or Jury.
ADVOCATE A person who assists the victim with support, information, or resources.
APPEAL The process of having a higher court review the lower court's decisions and/or rulings.
ARRAIGNMENT The defendant is brought before the court and read the charges against him. The defendant is then asked to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Bond is set at this time.
AUTHORIZE The Prosecuting Attorney's decision to prosecute the case by filing formal criminal charges against the defendant.
BENCH TRIAL Trial before a Judge without a Jury.
BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT Reasonable doubt is a legal standard which relates to the Prosecutor’s burden of proof at trial. An acquittal or not guilty verdict is rendered when the Jury feels there is doubt of the defendant’s guilt based on reason and arising from evidence or lack of evidence.
BOND The purpose of bond is to ensure the return of the accused for future court appearances and to ensure public safety. Bond is generally an amount of money and/or conditions of release set by the court. Also known as bail.
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