Criminal Defense Terms and Definitions

Restitution Court-ordered payment to restore goods or money to the victim of a crime by the offender. Dismissal without prejudice A dismissal which permits the plaintiff to sue again on the same cause of action or the state to proceed again. Dismissal with prejudice bars the right to subsequently bring an action on the same cause. Abstract of record A short, abbreviated form of the case as found in the record. Allegation The assertion, declaration, or statement of a party to an action, made in a pleading, establishing what the party expects to prove. Fourteenth Amendment Among other matters, the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without adequate due process. Search warrant An order issued by a judge or magistrate commanding a sheriff, constable, or other officer to search a specified location. Accessory A person who assists in the commission of a crime, either before or after the fact. Levy A seizure; the obtaining of money by legal process through seizure and sale of property. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Methods of resolving disputes outside of official court proceedings. These methods include mediation arbitration, and conciliation. Bench warrant An order issued by the court for the arrest of a person

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	Did You Know?
	Plea Bargaining - a process whereby the prosecutor and defense attorney negotiate Process whereby the prosecutor and defense attorney negotiate a mutually satisfactory disposition of the case. The court and the defendant must approve of any settlements. For example, a guilty plea may be exchanged for a lesser charge or a sentencing recommendation, or for dismissal of one or more of the charges in a multi-count information, or for dismissal of another case.