Before, During, After Trial Process

Booking

The process where information about a criminal suspect is entered into the system of a police station or jail after that person’s arrest.

Bail

The process of releasing a defendant from jail or other governmental custody with conditions set to reasonably assure public safety and court appearance. 

Personal Regnizance

A release, without the requirement of posting bail, based on a written promise by the defendant to appear in court when required to do so.

Preliminary Hearing

The prosecution will call witnesses and introduce evidence, and the defense can cross-examine witnesses.

Indictment

A formal notice to be given when someone is believed to have committed a crime.

Pre-Trial motion

An application to the court made by the prosecutor or defense attorney, requesting that the court make a decision on a certain issue before the trial begins.

Motion to suppress evidence

Asks the judge not to allow certain evidence to be used against you by the prosecutor in your criminal case.

Plea Bargaining

When the government has a strong case, the government may offer the defendant a plea deal to avoid trial and perhaps reduce his exposure to a more lengthy sentence.

5th Amendment

An individual cannot be compelled by the government to provide incriminating information about herself.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the rights of criminal defendants including the right to a public trial without unnecessary delay, the right to a lawyer, the right to an impartial jury, and the right to know your accusers are and the nature of the charges and evidence against you.

7th Amendment

Extends the right to a jury trial to federal civil cases such as car accidents, disputes between corporations for breach of contract, or most discrimination or employment disputes.

Subpoena

A court order that requires a person to appear before a court, and tesify, or produce specified evidence.

Contempt of Court

Intentionally impeding, embarrassing, or obstructing the court, degrading the court’s authority, or bringing the court into disrepute.

Immunity

Legal protection that exempts a person from liability, punishment, or legal action that would otherwise apply.

Suspended Sentence

An alternative to imprisonment where a judge may partially or entirely suspend the convicted individual’s prison or jail sentence so long as they fulfill certain conditions.

Probation

A court-imposed criminal sentence that, subject to stated conditions and restrictions, releases a convicted criminal defendant into the community instead of confining him or her to jail or prison.

Work Release

Release of a prisoner from confinement during the day for the purpose of outside employment.

Restitution

Full or partial compensation for loss paid by a crunubak ti a victim that is ordered as part of a criminal sentence or as a condition of probation.

Home Confinement

A special condition the court imposes that requires an indicidual to remain at home except for certain approved activities such as work and medical appointments.

Fines

A monetary penalty associated with an offense imposed as part of a judgment and commitment.

Imprisonment

The act of confining a person in a penal institution such as a jail or prison for the purpose of serving a sentence imposed by a court.

Parole

A procedure by which a board administratively releases inmates from prison as well as a provision for post-release supervision.

Capital Punishment

The process of sentencing convicted offenders to death for the most serious crimes (capital crimes) and carruing out that sentence.