Category1
Felony
A more serious crime. Punishable by prison time. 12+months
Misdemeanor
A less serious crime punishable by jail time less than 12 months
Witness
A person who may know something about what you did or didn’t do. A witness will testify from the witness stand, answering questions asked by both lawyers.
Alibi
the defense by an accused person of having been elsewhere at the time an alleged offense was committed.
Acquittal
You have a trial and are found NOT GUILTY. You are finished with the criminal process and are free to go.
Restitution
Restitution: Payment for damage or loss of property, or the return of items stolen or lost.
Physical Evidence
Tangible items usually found at the scene of a crime such as important documents, photographs, weapons, fingerprints, blood samples, hair samples, DNA etc.
Defense Attorney/Public Defender
This is an attorney that works with you and helps with your defense. The defense attorney is the only person with whom you have “Attorney - Client Privilege.”
What is the "First Amendment"?
The First Amendment protects five basic freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
Suspended Sentence
The Judge has found you guilty and has imposed a sentence, but based on his/her belief that you can do well, give you the opportunity to not serve your sentence. If you accrue new charges or don’t follow the rules, you can serve original sentence in full.
What is the "Constitution of the United States"?
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the United States.
What is an "Constitutional Amendment"
constitutional amendments are components of the Constitution the gives specific rights
Prosecutor/District Attorney
Lawyers who investigate, charge, and prosecute people whom they think have committed a crime.
Hearsay Testimony
Secondhand testimony. A statement that is offered by a witness as the truth, however, the statement was actually made by someone other than that particular witness.
Discovery
A process to share evidence and investigating the evidence that the other side plans to present This often includes statements made by officers on the scene, witnesses, and details evidence.
What is the "Fourth Amendment"?
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.
What is the "7th Amendment"?
Reserves individuals’ rights to jury trial depending on the civil case, and cases already examined by not be re-opened by another court.
Define "Pro Se"?
This means advocating on one's own behalf before a court rather than being represented by a lawyer.
Double jeopardy
double jeopardy is a procedure that prevents an accused person from being tried again on the same (or similar) charges following an acquittal or conviction and in rare cases prosecutorial and/or judge misconduct in the same jurisdiction.
Circumstantial Evidence
Evidence which strongly suggests something, but does not exactly prove it. It helps people draw inferences about a person acting in a manner consistent or inconsistent with the alleged crime.
How many constitutional amendments are there currently?
There are currently 27 ratified amendments (of which the first ten are known as the Bill of Rights) to the Constitution since its enactment.
What is "Due Process of Law"?
Due Process of Law: Refers to procedural fairness and requires you to be given notice of the charges against you and a meaningful opportunity to contest those charges. T
What is the "Sixth Amendment"?
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed
What is the "Eighth Amendment"?
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
What is "separation of powers"?
Doctrine of the separation of powers divides the federal government into three branches: the legislative, consisting of the bicameral Congress; the executive, consisting of the president and subordinate officers; and the judicial, consisting of the Supreme Court and other federal courts.