Glossary of Terms

The first court appearance after charges are filed, where the defendant hears the charges and enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).

Money or conditions set by the court to ensure a defendant returns for future hearings.

A trial decided by a judge, not a jury.

A hearing to decide whether a defendant should be held in jail or released while awaiting trial.

A trial where a group of citizens (the jury) decides guilt or innocence.

Any hearing before trial to deal with motions, evidence issues, or scheduling.

A hearing where the judge decides the punishment after a guilty plea or conviction.

A check-in with the court to see how a case is progressing.

A hearing to decide whether evidence (like a confession or physical evidence) should be excluded at trial.

The process of recording an arrest, including fingerprints and photos.

Being held by police or jail officials.

Facility where people are held before trial or for short sentences.

A community facility where defendants may live under supervision before trial or after release from prison.

Facility for people serving longer sentences after conviction.

The highest local court in DC, reviewing decisions from Superior Court.

Handles juvenile cases and many misdemeanors.

The trial court that handles most criminal cases in DC.

Handles felony prosecutions in DC (unique compared to other cities, which have locally elected district attorneys).

The high standard of proof required to convict someone of a crime.

The person who reports a crime or files charges.

The process where both sides exchange evidence before trial.

Formal charges issued by a grand jury (used for serious felonies).

Formal charges filed directly by a prosecutor (without a grand jury).

A lower standard of proof, often used in civil cases (more likely than not).

The legal standard police need to make an arrest or get a warrant (reasonable belief a crime was committed).

A court order requiring a person to appear in court or produce evidence.

A judge’s order allowing police to arrest someone or search a location.

A finding that the defendant is not guilty.

A request to a higher court to review a lower court’s decision.

A finding that the defendant is guilty.

When a judge ends a case without conviction, sometimes ‘with prejudice’ (can’t be refiled) or ‘without prejudice’ (can be refiled).

An alternative to prosecution, usually for low-level offenses, where charges are dropped if conditions are met (e.g., counseling, community service).

A trial that ends without a verdict, often due to a hung jury or serious error.

Latin for ‘will no longer prosecute’; when the prosecutor drops the charges.

Early release from prison under supervision, based on good behavior and other conditions.

An agreement between the prosecutor and defendant to resolve a case without trial, often with reduced charges or sentences.

A court-ordered period of supervision instead of (or after) jail.

Official who maintains court records and manages scheduling.

Person who makes a written record (transcript) of proceedings.

The person accused of a crime.

Lawyer representing the accused.

The person who presides over the courtroom and makes legal rulings.

Official who assesses defendants before trial and monitors release conditions.

Government lawyer bringing the case (in DC, usually from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for serious crimes, or the Office of the Attorney General for juveniles and some misdemeanors).

A defense attorney appointed by the court for defendants who can’t afford one.

The person harmed by a crime.