Glossary of Public Records Terms

Select a letter to view glossary terms for that letter.

A (7) | B (2) | C (6) | D (5) | E (1) | F (1) | G (1) | I (2) | L (1) | M (1) | N (6) | P (2) | Q (1) | R (1) | S (5) | V (1)
Termsort descending Definition
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.