Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, and understanding legal terminology is crucial for making informed decisions about your case. At D.G. Moore P.A., we are committed to defending your rights and providing clear legal guidance. Below is a comprehensive glossary of essential criminal defense legal terms specific to Michigan law.
Acquittal: A formal judgment that a defendant is not guilty of the charges against them.
Affidavit: A written statement of facts sworn to be true, used as evidence in court.
Alibi: A defense strategy where the defendant proves they were elsewhere when the alleged crime occurred.
Arraignment: The first formal court hearing where the defendant is informed of the charges and enters a plea.
Bail: A financial arrangement that allows a defendant to be released from custody while awaiting trial.
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt: The highest standard of proof in criminal law, requiring near certainty of guilt for a conviction.
Bench Warrant: A warrant issued by a judge for a person’s arrest due to failure to appear in court.
Burden of Proof: The obligation of the prosecution to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Charge: A formal accusation stating that someone has committed a crime.
Complicity: Involvement in a crime by aiding, abetting, or encouraging another person.
Conviction: A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal offense.
Custodial Interrogation: Questioning by law enforcement after a person has been taken into custody, requiring Miranda warnings.
Defendant: The individual accused of a crime in a criminal proceeding.
Deferred Sentence: A sentence postponed until the defendant meets certain conditions, often leading to dismissal of charges.
Discovery: The legal process where both the defense and prosecution exchange evidence before trial.
Dismissal: The termination of a case without conviction, either by the prosecutor or judge.
Double Jeopardy: A constitutional protection preventing someone from being tried twice for the same crime.
Due Process: The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person under the law.
Entrapment: A defense where law enforcement is accused of inducing someone to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed.
Exculpatory Evidence: Evidence that may prove a defendant’s innocence.
Expungement: The legal process of erasing a conviction or arrest from a person’s criminal record.
Felony: A serious criminal offense that carries more severe penalties, often over one year of imprisonment.
Forfeiture: The loss of property or money due to its connection to criminal activity.
Grand Jury: A panel of citizens that reviews evidence to determine whether charges should be filed against a defendant.
Guilty Plea: A formal admission by the defendant that they committed the charged offense.
Habeas Corpus: A legal action allowing a prisoner to challenge the legality of their detention.
Hearsay: An out-of-court statement presented as evidence, often inadmissible unless an exception applies.
Immunity: Protection from prosecution granted to a witness in exchange for testimony.
Indictment: A formal charge issued by a grand jury.
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel: A legal claim arguing that a defense attorney’s poor performance violated a defendant’s rights.
Jury Nullification: When a jury refuses to convict a defendant despite evidence of guilt, often due to moral reasons.
Knowingly: A legal term indicating that a person was aware of their actions when committing a crime.
Larceny: The unlawful taking of another person’s property with intent to permanently deprive them of it.
Misdemeanor: A lesser criminal offense typically punishable by up to one year in jail.
Miranda Rights: The constitutional rights read to a suspect upon arrest, including the right to remain silent and to an attorney.
Motion to Suppress: A request to exclude evidence obtained unlawfully.
No Contest Plea (Nolo Contendere): A plea where the defendant does not admit guilt but accepts conviction.
Obstruction of Justice: Interfering with the legal process, such as tampering with evidence or lying under oath.
Plea Bargain: An agreement between the defense and prosecution where the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence or charges.
Preliminary Hearing: A court proceeding to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
Probation: A supervised period in lieu of incarceration, requiring compliance with specific conditions.
Prosecutor: The attorney representing the government in criminal cases.
Reasonable Suspicion: A legal standard allowing law enforcement to detain and investigate a person based on minimal evidence.
Recidivism: The tendency of a convicted person to commit further offenses.
Restitution: Court-ordered payment to victims for financial losses resulting from a crime.
Search Warrant: A court order allowing law enforcement to search a location and seize evidence.
Self-Defense: A legal defense claiming actions were necessary to protect oneself from harm.
Statute of Limitations: The time limit within which charges must be filed.
Tampering with Evidence: Altering, destroying, or concealing evidence to obstruct justice.
Testimony: Statements given under oath by a witness in court.
Verdict: The jury or judge’s final decision in a criminal case.
Victim Impact Statement: A statement made by a crime victim describing the effects of the crime.
Warrant: A legal order authorizing law enforcement to arrest a person or conduct a search.
White-Collar Crime: Non-violent offenses, typically financial in nature, such as fraud or embezzlement.
Contact D.G. Moore P.A. for Expert Criminal Defense
Being accused of a crime can have life-altering consequences. At D.G. Moore P.A., we aggressively defend our clients’ rights and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome. Our experienced legal team is prepared to challenge the prosecution’s case and fight for your future. Don’t face these charges alone—contact us today at 269-808-8007 for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your freedom.
