Arraignment - The initial court appearance of the offender, held for the purpose of having him or her enter a plea to the charge.
Assistant State Attorney - An attorney empowered to prosecute criminal cases on behalf of the State.
Bond - Bond is generally required only to assure a defendant's appearance in Court. The amount will vary depending upon the seriousness of the charge and the offender's past criminal record, if any.
Court Deputy - A duly appointed officer of the Court.
Change of Plea - The act of changing one's plea.
Continuance - The act of postponing a scheduled court date.
Victims Compensation - A State-funded program designed to reimburse qualified victims.
Defendant - The person who has been charged with committing a crime.
Felony - A crime that is punishable in excess of one year of imprisonment.
Guilty Plea - Admitting responsibility for the criminal act.
Judge - A duly elected official presiding over court cases and determining sentence.
Jury - A group of citizens selected to determine guilt or innocence of the defendant in a court proceeding.
Misdemeanor - An offense punishable by a year or less in jail.
Not Guilty Plea - A denial of responsibility for the criminal charge.
Probation - A specified period of supervision by a probation officer.
Public Defender - A Court-appointed attorney assigned to represent a defendant who cannot afford private counsel.
Restitution - A sentence imposed by the Court requiring the defendant to pay for the victim's monetary loss due to the crime.
Sentencing - The judgment of a Court concerning the defendant's punishment.
Testimony - Statements made in Court by witnesses who are under oath.
