MSPD HDS Key Terms + Phrases

Action item

An action item is an assignment sent to you (by an attorney) via email, which may include research, writing a mitigation memo, finding a home plan, or case management.

Arraignment

After a finding of probable cause in a case, arraignment is the hearing at which the attorney enters a plea of “not guilty” and waives the formal reading of the charges.

ACA

Armed criminal action; using a weapon in the commission of a crime; can only be charged in association with a crime involving a weapon or the threatened use of a weapon.

Backup

The “backup” is the number of years a client is sentenced to in the event he or she violates probation.

Bail project

An awesome organization that helps post clients’ bonds and get them out of jail.

CA/PA

Circuit attorney, prosecuting attorney

Capias

The warrant that is issued when a client does not report for a court date.

CI

Confidential informant

Crack synonyms

girl, rock

Diversion

Alternative prosecution programs run by the prosecutor. They typically require a client to plead guilty with the agreement that the plea can be withdrawn and the case dismissed if the client completes the program (about 1 year long at minimum). Requires clients to attend court at PO meetings regularly, as well as do other programming. Typically for first time offenders and lower level offenses.

Drop Dirty/Dirty Drop

Positive drug test during a period of probation or parole.

Endorsed

In order to testify, a witness must be “endorsed,” which gives the opposing party notice that the endorsed person may testify.

EOM

End of Message. This is used in the subject line of an email, where the entire message of the email is contained in that subject line. Usually used in offices with a high volume of communication done via email.

E-request

An expense request by an attorney to cover items such as depositions, experts, etc.

491

Pre-trial hearing in child sex cases to see which of the prosecutor’s evidence will come in (usually statements made by the child to the child advocacy worker or another adult regarding the defendant’s charged behavior).

559

559 refers to the number of the statute for “120” days treatment or shock time in prison, with the client being released on probation, not parole, after completing the program.

Treatment Court

Alternative prosecution programs meant to address non-violent clients with substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Each jurisdiction has different types of Treatment Courts, which can include Drug Court, Veteran’s Court, Mental Health Court, Domestic Violence Court, etc. Usually very difficult programs that take at least 15 months to complete and most have a low success rate.

UUW

Unlawful use of a weapon

VMCSL

Violation of Missouri Controlled Substance Law.

WOPP

Without Probation or Parole. Considered “hard time.”

Writted in

Client is brought in from another jail or prison and the judge signs an order called a writ. He or she is “writted in.” Prosecutors are responsible for getting a writ.

120, see also Shock

120 days in prison, usually as a punishment for violating probation. Can include 120 days of treatment services or 120 days in prison.

217

Long-term drug rehabilitation program in prison, typically one year long; afterwards the client is released on a 217 on probation, not parole.

Free Case

A police officer plants evidence, usually drugs or guns, on a person, usually one that is on probation or parole. Can be used as a verb or a noun.

Heroin synonyms

Boy, butter, “H,” Bean, Button, Nose Bullet

Jail

Usually temporary for those inmates awaiting trial, but a person convicted of a misdemeanor can serve out their entire sentence here if the sentence is under a year. Typically run by local government, either city or county.

LEO

Law enforcement officer

Motion in Limine

A motion that is filed before the start of a trial, usually because of a dispute regarding the admissibility of certain evidence.

Nolle, Nolle’d

The state dismisses a case, drops charges against a client.

“On papers”

Another way to say probation

Parole

Refers to people who are conditionally released from prison to serve the remaining portion of their sentence in the community. Failure to comply with the conditions can result in a “_ revocation,” a return to incarceration.

PCR

Post Conviction Relief. After a trial with a final judgement, there is an appeal of the trial attorney’s performance and whether he or she provided effective assistance of counsel. At the hearing an appellate attorney represents the defendant. The original defense attorney is usually called as a witness, often by the defendant, but sometimes by the State’s attorney. The standard for effective assistance is discussed in Strickland v. Washington.

A sentence of prison time or SES, but not SIS

Post-Conviction Relief follows…?

Strickland v. Washington

Pretrial services

An office of the court designated to assist with reviewing defendants’ bonds. Pretrial services interviews people when they first get arrested and shares information about their housing plan/needs/risks at the bond hearings. Also makes recommendations to the court on release and conditions of release and helps with referrals.

Prison

Carceral systems operated by the state. Our clients are sent to a state institution if they are convicted of a felony and sentenced to one. Also referred to as “DOC” or department of corrections.

Pro Rev/PV

Probation revocation/probation violation. Takes place when a client on probation gets into trouble. Can result in staying on probation or going to prison.