Understanding Legal Terms
Arraignment: The defendant's appearance to enter a plea for the charges against him/her.
Capias: A warrant that is issued when a defendant does not appear in court.
Continuance: Rescheduling a hearing to a later date.
Defendant: The person accused of committing the crime(s).
Preliminary Hearing: A hearing to determine whether there is
sufficient evidence to prosecute an accused person.
Probation: A sentence in which the defendant is released into the
community and supervised by a probation officer for a
specified period of time.
Restitution: Repayment of financial loss to the victim by
the defendant.
Sentence: The defendant's punishment imposed by the judge.
Subpoena: A document ordering a person to appear in court.
Victim Impact Statement: A statement submitted by the victim
to the Court that explains the physical, psychological,
and financial harm the crime created.