Crimes Committed
When you commit a felony and someone dies in the course of it
Felony Murder
Lawyer's first opportunity to tell their client's story, introduce the evidence they plan to present, and persuade the jury or judge of their version of events
Opening Statement
A court proceeding early in a criminal case where a judge determines if there is enough evidence, known as probable cause, to believe that a crime was committed and that the defendant committed it, allowing the case to proceed to a trial
Preliminary Hearing
A less serious crime
Misdemeanors
an objectively justifiable belief, based on specific, articulable facts and rational inferences, that a crime has been, is being, or is about to be committed
Reasonable Suspicion
Intentional killing of a person without premeditation or malice, but with the intent to kill, that occurs in the "heat of the moment" due to provocation
Voluntary Manslaughter
A lawyer's final opportunity to summarize the evidence and persuade a judge or jury to rule in their client's favor.
Closing Statement
A formal court proceeding held after a defendant is found guilty of a crime, either through a plea or a trial verdict, where a judge or jury determines the appropriate punishment
Sentencing Hearing
A crime, typically one involving violence, regarded as more serious than a misdemeanor, and usually punishable by imprisonment
Felony
A group of potential jurors who have no personal bias, prejudice, or connection to the people or case involved, allowing them to make a fair decision based solely on the evidence presented in court.
Impartial Jury
Unintentional killing of someone done by reckless behavior
The questioning of a witness by the attorney from the party that called the witness to the stand
Direct Examination
Sixth Amendment right for criminal defendants to have a competent attorney to represent them, ensuring a fair trial
Assistance of Counsel
When a judge ends a trial before a verdict is reached because a serious legal error occurred, or a jury cannot agree on a verdict (a hung jury).
Mistrial
The state-sanctioned execution of a person convicted of a severe crime
Capital Punishment
Killing with malicious intent but not premeditated
Second Degree Murder
When an attorney questions a witness who previously testified for the opposing side, with the goal of challenging or undermining that witness's testimony, credibility, or knowledge
Cross examination
A group of people selected to sit on a jury that decide whether the prosecutor's evidence provides probable cause to issue an indictment
Grand Jury
Legal principle in the United States that prohibits the use of evidence in court if it was obtained illegally
Exclusionary Rule
To officially clear someone of blame, suspicion, or a legal accusation, effectively removing a burden of responsibility or a charge.
Exonerate