Case disposed of by death

Taking away by violence or fraud and persuasion; kidnapping. Usually a female or wife, child or ward

See Aiding and Abetting

Taking away with intent to harm or deceive

Not the perpetrator of the crime but in some way involved without being present in the commission of the crime

One who helps a criminal to elude arrest

One who induces another to commit a crime

A legal judgment that an accused is not guilty of the crime for which he or she has be charged and tried

Case is currently active

The judicial decision that ends a criminal proceeding by a judgment or acquittal, conviction, or dismissal of the case

The court will withhold a decision until a future date. Usually some sort of probation is added and if the defendant complies with the conditions for a specified period of time, the case will be dismissed

A voluntarily, written statement of fact, confirmed by oath

Brawl or disturbance. Not premeditated

(assault, battery, arson, etc.) Circumstances surrounding the commission of a crime or tort, which increase or add to its injurious consequences

To assist and/or incite another to commit a crime

False name used in substitution of a legal name on official documents and for official purposes. Nicknames are not considered aliases. May be noted as AKA (Also Known As) on criminal records

Laws to protect trade and commerce from unlawful practice

A complaint to a superior court to review the decision of a lower court

One who makes a complaint to a superior court to review the decision of a lower court

A court having jurisdiction of appeal and review. Not a trial court

To take something from another for one's own use or benefit

The place where records are stored after a certain specified period of time. The period of time a record is held at a court of record may differ between courts and states

A call to the accused to come before the court to hear charges or enter a plea

The taking of an individual into custody by law enforcement personnel for the purpose of charging them with an illegal act

An official form completed by the police department when a person is arrested. Also, a cumulative record of all instances in which a person has been arrested

The attempted or intentional destruction of property by fire or explosion

Intentional or threatened infliction of injury to another. The classification of "aggravated" is assigned when the injury is considered serious or when injury is threatened or carried out with the use of a deadly or dangerous weapon. The classification of "simple" is assigned when the injury inflicted or threatened is not serious and a deadly weapon is not used. May be used with Battery

Employment Background Investigations

An amount of money, set by a judge at an initial appearance to ensure the return of the accused at subsequent proceedings

Non-consensual, unlawful contact, such as touching, beating or wounding of another

Trial by judge, without jury

A process delivered by the court directing a law enforcement agency to bring a specified individual before the court

To put under bond to appear in court. The term is also used when a case is shifted from a lower court to a higher court

An illegal demand for money or property under threat of harm or exposure of undesirable acts

A certificate of obligation, either unsecured or secured with collateral, to pay a specified amount of money within a specified period of time.
Bond Forfeiture. Bond forfeiture occurs when a case has been disposed and a fine is to be, or has been paid. If it is a first offense, it is listed on the record but not classified as a conviction; any other time it is classified as a conviction

An operation with the purpose of placing, registering, paying off or collecting debts for bets

The act of entering a premises, without the privilege to enter, with the purpose of committing a crime. States may classify as first, second, or third degree burglary.

The Latin meaning is "That You Take". This is the name for several types of writs, which require that a law enforcement official take a named defendant into custody

Case or crime for which the death penalty may be imposed

Punishment by death for capital crime

Sexual, sensual. Carnal knowledge is sexual intercourse

One or more related charges, combined and made against a defendant for wrongs committed

In criminal law, a charge is an allegation that an individual has committed a specific offense

An order issued by a law enforcement officer requiring appearance in court to answer a charge. Bail is not accepted in lieu of appearance

Judicial division of the United States or of an individual state

Courts whose jurisdiction extends over several counties or districts. (There are thirteen judicial circuits wherein the U.S. Courts of Appeals reside)

A reference to a book or other source of legal authority

Courts that try persons accused of violating municipal ordinances. City courts may have jurisdiction over minor civil or criminal cases, or both

A violent public disturbance by three or more people, which causes danger, damage or injury to property or persons

One of a group of two or more people charged in the same crime

The use of physical force or threats to compel someone to commit an act against his or her will

The receipt by an individual of consideration in exchange for an agreement not to prosecute or inform on someone who they know has committed a crime

Two or more terms of imprisonment served simultaneously

A conviction. Court issues the discharge from the jail and requires defendant to comply with some conditions. Regardless whether defendant complies with rules or not, he/she is still convicted (GUILTY) and case can never be expunged

The release from a correctional facility before full sentence has been served which is conditioned on specific behavior. If conditions are not met, the individual may be returned to the facility

Multiple sentences, served one after the other

The coming together of two or more people for the purpose of committing an unlawful act or to commit a lawful act by unlawful means

An act committed which serves to obstruct the court in its administration or authority

A delay or postponement of a court hearing

A drug whose availability is restricted by law

The unauthorized taking of another's property

Guilty verdict in a criminal trial

An offense named in a cause of action. A cause of action may contain multiple counts or charges, each relating to the others but identifying a separate offense

Court that has authority to adjudicate cases of a certain kind or up to a limited amount, usually lesser offenses.. (Opposite of Court of General Jurisdiction)

The court where the permanent record of all proceedings is held

Use, or attempted use of a credit card to purchase goods or services with the intent to avoid payment of such

Deviate sexual intercourse

Failure to pay child support in violation of court order

Blame, or degree of responsibility for a crime. This may be in degrees of purposeful, knowingly, recklessly or by negligence

A sentence that takes effect after a prior sentence is completed for crimes tried under the same cause of action.

Something that is capable, though not designed to cause serious injury or death

Latin for "anew" or "afresh". Usually used as Trial De Novo. New trial, or one that is held for a second time, as if there had been no previous trial or decision

The case never went to trial. The case can be reopened if new evidence is submitted

A weapon designed to cause serious injury or death

A person who has been formally charge with committing a specific crime

The final judgment is delayed for a period of time. Can be likened to probation before a final verdict. If "probation" is completed without incident, the charges are usually dropped and the case is dismissed. During the "probationary period" the disposition is not necessarily considered a conviction

Dismissed and considered a non-conviction

The judge doesn't make a finding of guilt; he assigns probation. If probation is completed without incident, the charges are usually dropped

Postponement of the pronouncement of the sentence

Knowingly misrepresenting facts to cheat or trick

(First, Second, or Third, A, B or C). Classification assigned to a crime, depending on circumstances, for purposes of determining punishment. First degree is considered most serious than third; A is more serious than C. Degrees may be assigned to the actual crime (IE. murder in the first or second degree) or the class of crimes (IE. felony or misdemeanor)

A determination by a jury, made at the direction of the judge. A directed verdict happens in cases where there has been a lack of evidence, an overwhelming amount of evidence, or where the law is in favor of one of the parties

Finally disposing of the cause without further consideration. May be voluntary or involuntary. When involuntary, there is usually lack of prosecution or failure to produce sufficient evidence

Prosecution Charges dismissed after specified time (90 days to 1 year) provided certain conditions have been met such as participating in specified program of anger control or drug counseling or providing community service, etc

The final settlement in the matter. Examples of disposed cases are those with a finding of guilt (conviction), innocence, or acquittal.

Court having jurisdiction over a territorial district

To set aside. A court direction which calls a defendant, who has been found guilty, to attend a work or educational program as part of probation. May include some type of anger management, drug rehab, etc. If the condition of program is met, charge may be considered non-conviction

A crime or claim which extends between citizens of different states. This is one of the grounds that can be used to invoke the juriÿÿiction of the U.S. Federal District Court

A court's official record of proceedings and calendar of upcoming cases

Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Complete intoxication is not required. Individual state statutes specify the blood alcohol content at which a person is presumed to be under the influence of intoxicating liquor

A reasonable and expected measure of attention taken for a particular action. Not measurable by an absolute standard, but dependant on the situation

Procedures followed by law enforcement and courts to insure the protection of an individual's rights as assigned by the Constitution.

The taking of another's money or property by one entrusted with its possession, usually through employment

On one side only. When an act is one for one party only. For example, in an Ex parte proceeding, only one party to the case is heard

When a record of an offense is expunged it will not appear on a released criminal history. The record may be destroyed or sealed after a certain period of time. Records may be expunged in juvenile cases, or upon satisfactory completion of a court-ordered probation and/or class(s)

Obtaining another's property by actual or threatened force, fear or violence

The surrender of an individual accused or convicted of a crime by one state to another.

Requires that consumer reporting agencies adopt reasonable procedures for meeting the needs of commerce for consumer credit, personnel, insurance, and other information in a manner which is fair and equitable to the consumer, with regard to the confidentiality, accuracy, relevancy, and proper utilization of such information.

The courts of the United States

Describing an offense that is done with malicious, villainous criminal intent. IE. felonious assault.

A serious offense carrying a penalty of incarceration from one year to life in a state prison, to the death penalty.

(Fraudulent Conversion) Similar to embezzlement or theft. An example of felony conversion is if someone sold goods for a company, and kept the money instead of turning it in to the company. (North Carolina).

Entering or taking possession of property with force, threats or menacing conduct.

A broad term used to cover all kinds of acts. Generally, fraud is the commission of an act with the goal to benefit or gain advantage at another's expense. A purposeful misrepresentation with the intent to deceive.

O.C.G.A. $ 42-8-62 (In Part) …Upon fulfillment of the terms of probation, upon release by the court prior to the termination of the period thereof, or upon release from confinement, the defendant shall be discharged without court adjudication of guilt. The discharge shall completely exonerate the defendant of any criminal purpose and shall not affect any of his civil rights or liberties and the defendant shall not be considered to have a criminal conviction.

A body of persons with the authority to investigate and accuse, but not to try cases. The grand jury will listen to and review evidence to see if it there is sufficient grounds to bring an individual to trial.

The theft of property over a specified value. Dollar amounts vary by state.

Flagrant, out of measure.

Serious misdemeanor.

Final disposition. Having committed a crime.

A proceeding where a prisoner challenged the lawfulness of his or her imprisonment; refers to the constitutionality of the imprisonment.

To have committed the same offense three times. Can also be charged as a habitual offender

To take control of a vehicle by intimidation, force or threatened force. Also, the theft of goods while in transit, as when transported in trucks

The killing of another human being. "Justifiable homicide" occurs in cases such as during the enforcement of law, and/or occurs without evil intent. "Excusable homicide" may occur by accident or in self-defense. "Felonious homicide" is the killing of another without justification. This type has two degrees – manslaughter and murder, depending on circumstances or intent. See Manslaughter; Murder

A hung jury is one in which all jurors cannot reach a consensus required for a verdict.

Prohibited or unlawful

One who intentionally set fires. Arsonist

One who is incapable of reform

A formal, written accusation made by the grand jury

Violation of local ordinance or state statute usually resulting in a fine or limited period of incarceration. Term usually used in traffic offenses.
Injunction. A court order which prohibits a person from doing a specified act for a specified period of time

The frame of mind or attitude of the person at the time an act was committed. See Culpability

Reduction of physical or mental capabilities caused by the ingestion of an intoxicating substance such as alcohol or drugs

Dismissed due to lack of prosecution or lack of evidence.

The final decision of the court regarding a claim or case

The power of a court to question facts, apply law, make decisions and judgments

The determination of a case by a jury

Taking and carrying away a person by force, fraud, threats or intimidation. Unlawfully confining a person for a substantial period of time in an isolated place.

The unlawful taking of another person's property. Larceny is commonly classified as "petty" or "grand" depending on the value of the property. Dollar values to establish classifications of "petty" and "grand" may vary from state to state

An act, committed without just cause or excuse, intended to inflict harm or cause death

Obscene, indecent

Defamation of another person through print, pictures, or signs

A pending suit.

Public officials, including judicial officers who have limited jurisdiction in criminal cases and civil causes

The use of the mail system to commit a fraud

Planning to commit an unlawful act without just cause or excuse

The unpremeditated killing of a person. Can be voluntary or involuntary, determined by circumstances. The feature distinguishing involuntary manslaughter from voluntary is the absence of intent to cause death or commit an act that might be expected to produce death or harm. Voluntary manslaughter is homicide that is committed during an act in the heat of passion

The intentional infliction of injury on another which causes amputation, disfigurement or impairs the function of any part of the body

Judgment is merged into another related charge/judgment

A crime that is less serious than a felony for which the punishment is usually imprisonment for one year or less.

A trial which is terminated or declared invalid. Reasons for mistrial include misconduct on the part of the jury, defense team or the court, or illness on the part of the judge, jury or defendant. May be followed by a retrial on the same charges

Unlawful killing with malice aforethought. Murder is willful, deliberate and premeditated, or done during the commission of a crime. This classification of crime is generally divided by degrees, murder in the first degree and murder in the second degree, for the purpose of imposing penalties.

Flagrant and reckless disregard of the safety of others. Willful indifference

Failure to uphold your legal duty to protect your employees, customers, visitors, and members of the general public from any injuries caused by an employee you know or should have known pose a risk of harming to others.

See Plea Bargain

The decision by a grand jury that it will not bring indictment against the accused on the basis of the allegations and evidence presented by the prosecutor

A plea in which the defendant does not contest the charge. This has the same effect as a guilty plea except the conviction cannot be used against the defendant in a civil suit

Charges were not pursued. (This is a legal term in Washington, D.C.)

There was not sufficient reason to bring case to trial

Latin phrase loosely translated,. hang in there."

Latin phrase used by the district attorney or plaintiff when they do not wish to prosecute or proceed with the action. The defendant can be re-indicted and prosecuted again

Latin phrase used by a defendant to say "I do not wish to contest." This plea in a criminal case has the legal effect of pleading guilty. See No Contest

A judgment ordered by the court against a plaintiff who fails to proceed to trial

The misrepresentation of the value of something. Passing bad check.

To provide products or services that cater to the sexual gratification of others. To entice another into prostitution

To release from confinement after serving part of a sentence, usually with terms and conditions provided in the parole order

An act that does not conform to the terms of parole

Intentionally making a false statement under oath

The party who first initiates litigation

The defendant's formal answer to a charge

A plea of guilt to a lesser offense in return for a lighter sentence

Asking the court to give leniency. No finding of guilt by the court

Usually conducted by a probation officer after a plea or verdict of guilt. Done before sentencing and includes information about the defendant's criminal history and personal background

An extensive background check to help determine if charges will be pressed

Relief of all or part of a sentence on the promise of proper conduct

Violation of probation terms may result in an entry of a conviction

Degree of proof needed to arrest

Declined to prosecute but with the option to reopen the case.

An organized conspiracy for the purpose of committing crimes of extortion or coercion

Sex without consent. May be forcible or by intoxication, with a person who is underage and unable to give consent, or with a person with diminished mental and/or physical capabilities

An act that does or could cause injury to another, not necessarily with intent

Charges were not accepted by the District Attorney's Office

To return an individual to custody pending further trial, or to return a case from an appellate to a lower court for further proceedings

Payment made by a defendant to victim as reimbursement for monetary losses incurred as a result of the crime

An order prohibiting a specified action until such time that a hearing on an application for an injunction can be held

The case can be brought up within the next year if the individual is arrested for anything. It is the judge's decision and only he can take action. If the individual remains "clean," then the case can be dismissed

Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

Hiding property that has a lien filed against it

Advocating the overthrow or reform of a government by unlawful means

A judgment of punishment for a criminal act

Having a more severe penalty than other misdemeanors

Defamation verbal communication. Making false and malicious statements about another

Asking, urging or enticing

No further action will occur on this case; cannot be reopened at later date

Sexual activity by an adult with a person under the age of consent

An entry on the roll in the nature of a judgment of a direction that all further proceedings shall be stayed. Suit is terminated by an act of the party, rather than by judgment.

To eliminate or expunge.

Stricken from docket with leave to reinstate or dismiss; Non conviction (legal term used in Illinois)

Deferment of punishment usually over a period of probation.

Obtaining services without consent through deception, threat, tampering, etc

Theft by using someone else's information, credit card, check, or something similar

Destroyed or partially destroyed. Unable to obtain any more information.

Any condition where the nervous system, brain or muscles are impaired to an appreciable degree by an intoxicating substance

Charging more interest than is permitted by law for a loan of money

Entry without force and without permission by means of fraud or other wrongful act

To forge another's name.

To make void; to cancel

Death of another caused by the intentional, unlawful or negligent operation of a motor vehicle

The geographic area where the case or claim occurred, within which a court with jurisdiction can hear and determine a case. A change of venue, or the moving of a case from one court to another may be granted for such reasons as when the court does not think the defendant can get a fair trial in that area or for the convenience of the parties in a civil case

The formal, final decision or finding made by a jury or judge

The court or district attorney dismisses the charges against an individual.

Charges are waived after the defendant agrees to pay a fine. The defendant is not prosecuted on this charge.

The right to a jury trial is waived and the judge makes the decision of guilt or innocence

Without regard for the rights of others, indifferent to consequences to health, life or the reputation of another. Usually done without intent, but an act so unreasonable the perpetrator should know that harm would result

Court order authorizing a law enforcement official to arrest or perform search and seizure

A warrant issued on the individual has been ruled invalid

The unlawful sale, distribution, manufacture, alteration, transport, possession or use of a deadly or dangerous weapon.

When W/S is listed after a charge, it is usually followed with a description of violence involved with the charge

Adjudication withheld

A written court order, or a judicial process

Allowing an unlicensed driver to operate a motor vehicle.

Classification of youths and young adults, generally older then juveniles. In the 18 to 25 year age group, these individuals are sometimes given special sentencing consideration for the purpose of rehabilitation, sometimes through education and counseling

Usually a non-conviction. Used for juvenile first-time offenders. It may be reported on a criminal record. If the juvenile complies with the sentence, the case will be dropped from the record when the offender reaches adulthood.