Bond, Bail, or Bail Bond

Posted on June 15th, 2018
A promise that the defendant in a misdemeanor case will appear in court when required. This promise is normally guaranteed by the defendant or someone else posting money or property with the court. There are four types of bonds: personal recognizance bond, cash bond, ten-percent bond, and a surety…

Bench Warrant

Posted on June 15th, 2018
An order issued by the court (from the bench) for the arrest of a person, so that (s)he may be brought before the court.…

Attorney

Posted on June 15th, 2018
A lawyer; a person admitted to legal practice who is qualified to represent the legal interests of another person.…

Arrearage

Posted on June 15th, 2018
Money which is overdue and unpaid.…

Arraignment

Posted on June 15th, 2018
A court hearing at which the defendant is informed of the specific criminal charges for which he or she is being charged. This is the first step in your case being processed by the court.…

Arbitration/Binding Mediation

Posted on June 15th, 2018
A procedure for the determination of a disputed matter. Legally binding, as opposed to mediation.…

Appearance

Posted on June 15th, 2018
1.Coming into court: The formal act by which a defendant submits to the jurisdiction of the court. 2. Document identifying one who is representing himself or another. An attorney files an “appearance” making it known that (s)he is representing an individual.…

Appellate Court

Posted on June 15th, 2018
A court which reviews lower court decisions, generally on the record of the lower court.…

Appeal

Posted on June 15th, 2018
An application to a higher court requesting a change of the judgment of a lower court.…

Amended Order of Probation

Posted on June 15th, 2018
Used to add or delete information contained in the original Order of Probation, as recommended by the judge or probation officer.…