Victim/Witness Assistance Program
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Definitions

Adult System Definitions

Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD): A special form of probation. When successfully completed the defendant’s conviction is erased.

Arraignment: The defendant’s appearance to enter a plea for the charges against him/her.

Capias: A warrant that is issued when a defendant does not appear in court.

Conviction: The finding, by a jury or judge, of a verdict of “guilty” against the defendant.

Defendant: The person accused of committing the crime(s).

Plea: The answer that the defendant makes to the charges brought against him/her: Guilty, Not Guilty, No Contest.

Preliminary Hearing: A hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to prosecute an accused person.

Probation: A sentence in which the defendant is released into the community and supervised by a probation officer for a specified period of time.

Restitution: Repayment of financial loss to the victim by the defendant.

Sentence: The defendant’s punishment imposed by the judge.

Subpoena: A document ordering a person to appear in court.

Victim Impact Statement: A statement submitted by the victim to the Court that explains the physical, psychological, and financial harm the crime created.

Waive: To surrender a privilege or right.
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Juvenile System Definitions

​Accountability: Being held responsible for the incident and the harm caused.

Adjudication: A fact finding hearing that determines if a juvenile committed the act as charged.

Consent Decree: A form of probation that will result in an expunged record if the probation is completed successfully.

Continuance: Rescheduling a hearing to a later date.

De-Certification Hearing: A hearing to determine whether a case should be moved from the adult system to the juvenile system.

Detention: A temporary, secure holding facility for the juvenile.

Founded: The court finds the juvenile to have committed the act as charged.

Home Pass: When a juvenile is allowed to leave a placement facility for a short period of time.

Placement /Institution: A program or facility where a juvenile is sent to receive treatment.

Placement Review: A hearing that reviews the juvenile’s adjustment to the treatment.

Probation: Supervision of a juvenile in the community.

Record Expunged: Record erased.

Restitution: Repayment of financial loss to the victim by the juvenile.

Shelter: A temporary, non-secure holding facility.

Transfer Hearing: A hearing to determine whether a case should be moved from the juvenile system to the adult system.

Victim Impact Statement: A statement submitted by the victim to the Court that explains the physical, psychological, and financial harm the crime created.
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  • Home
  • Services
    • Domestic Violence
    • Post Disposition
    • Adult Justice System
    • Juvenile Justice System
  • Contact
  • Register
  • Resources
    • Cell Phones
    • Childcare
    • Counseling
    • Lock Changes
    • Immigration
    • Legal Assistance
    • Pets
    • Shelter & Housing
    • Substance Abuse
    • Utilities
  • QUICK EXIT