Criminal Cases in Adult Court

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Arraignment: The proceeding in which an accused person is brought before a judge the hear the charges filed against them. The offender will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.

Arrest Warrant: A document issued by a judge, which directs law enforcement to arrest a person who has been accused of an offense.

Bail: Money or property promised or given to the Court as security when a Defendant is released before or during his/her trial, with the agreement that the Defendant will return to Court when ordered to do so.

Continue: To reschedule a hearing on a criminal matter from a scheduled date to a future date for a valid reason.

Cross Examination: The questioning of a witness by the defense attorney.

Defendant: A person who has been formally charged with committing a crime and against whom a criminal proceeding is pending.

Direct Examination: The questioning of a witness by the District Attorney or Assistant District Attorney.

Prior Comment: A written or oral statement detailing the victim's feelings concerning the crime. 

Prosecutor: In criminal cases, the attorney for the Commonwealth who represents the interests of the general public, also known as the District Attorney.

Restitution: A commitment on the part of the offender by way of a Court Order to compensate the victim for losses incurred due to the offender's criminal activities.

Subpoena: An order issued under an authority of a Court, commanding a person to appear in Court on a particular date, usually to give testimony in a legal case.

Victim Impact Statement: Statement from a victim concerning the impact a crime has had on him or her and their life. The Judge takes this into consideration prior to sentencing.

Waive: To give up the right to a proceeding, for example, to waive a hearing.