Glossary of Public Records Terms
Select a letter to view glossary terms for that letter.
Term![]() |
Definition |
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Acquittal |
The legal and formal certification of the innocence of a person who has been charged with a crime; a finding of not guilty. |
Adjudication |
This is equivalent to a judicial decision or sentence. This implies a hearing by a court of legal evidence on the factual issues involved in the case. |
Adjudication Withheld |
Many jurisdictions have a procedure in criminal cases allowing an accused person to essentially admit to the charges and be placed on probation without a formal finding of guilt. If the individual completes the probationary period without being charged with any subsequent criminal offenses, the original charges are dismissed. This procedure is not a conviction of the crime charged. |
ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition) |
This program is offered to a defendant in place of adjudication. If the defendant completes the program, the case is closed. This is not a conviction. |
Arraignment |
Procedure whereby the accused is brought before the court to plead to the criminal charges against him or her in the indictment of information. |
Arrest Warrant |
Written permission given by a judge (or magistrate, etc.) to a police officer to arrest a person. |
Assault |
An attempt to commit violent injury upon another person. Physical contact is not necessary. Assault is an act done toward the commission of a battery, and immediately precedes battery. |