Plain-English definitions for legal terms

A defendant’s opportunity to speak directly to the judge before sentence is imposed.

A criminal proceeding where charges are formally read or presented and the defendant enters an initial plea.

Release before trial under conditions designed to assure appearance and protect the community.

The constitutional proof standard the government must meet to convict a defendant of a crime.

A financial or secured promise tied to a defendant’s release and future court appearances.

A formal criminal charging document issued by a grand jury after finding probable cause to accuse the defendant.

A criminal charging document filed by a prosecutor without a grand jury indictment.

An agreement in which a criminal defendant pleads guilty under negotiated terms with the government.

A practical probability standard used for arrests, searches, warrants, and some charging decisions.

A sentence allowing a defendant to remain in the community under court-imposed conditions instead of serving prison time.

Court-ordered payment to compensate victims for losses caused by criminal conduct.

A judge’s authorization for law enforcement to search a specified place or thing for specified evidence.

A filing that argues what sentence the court should impose and why.

A period of federal supervision after imprisonment, with conditions that can lead to revocation if violated.

A defense motion asking the court to exclude evidence obtained in violation of constitutional or statutory rules.

Latin: 'you shall have the body.' A court order requiring a person in custody to be brought before the court to test the legality of detention.