See SURETY BOND.

A weapon which acts by force of gunpowder, such as a rifle, shotgun or revolver.

The initial appearance of an arrested person before a judge to determine whether there is probable cause for his or her arrest. Generally the person comes before a judge within hours of the arrest, and are informed of the charges against him or her and of his or her rights to a preliminary hearing, to counsel,and to bail. No plea is asked for at this state. Also called initial appearance.

Ordinarily refers to a summary proceeding for restoring possession of land to one who has been wrongfully deprived of possession.

Procedure by which mortgaged property is sold on default of the mortgagor in satisfaction of mortgage debt.

To lose, or lose the right to.

The loss of money or property resulting from failure to meet a legal obligation or from the illegal nature or use of the money or property.

The act of claiming one's own writing to be that of another.

A program of parental care for children who do not have an in-home parental relationship with either biological or adoptive parents.

In a trial, a foundation must be laid to establish the basis for the admissibility of certain types of evidence. For example, an expert witnesses's qualifications must be shown before expert testimony will be admissible.

Among other matters, the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without adequate due process .

A person having a legal relationship of trust and confidence to another and having a duty to act primarily for the others benefit, e.g., a guardian, trustee, or executor.

Intentional, unlawful deception to deprive another person of property or to injure that person in some other way.

The act of staking money, or other thing of value, on an uncertain event or outcome.

To withhold a debtor's money, and turn it over to another in order to pay a debt. Typically, the one withholding the money is the debtor's employer.

A legal proceeding in which a debtor's money, in the possession of another (the garnishee),  is applied to the debts of the debtor, such as when an employer garnishes a debtor's wages.

The voluntary transfer, by a debtor, of all property to a trustee for the benefit of all of his or her creditors.

Refers to courts that have no limit on the types of criminal and civil cases they may hear.

The act of inhaling glue in order "to get high".

Substantial reason, one that affords a legal excuse.

An honest belief, the absence of malice, and the absence of design to defraud.

Jury of inquiry. The jury which determines which charges, if any, are to be brought against a defendant.

A method of determining whether a person is intoxicated using a motor skills test which is administered by testing the driver's speaking ability and/or physical coordination.

Taking and carrying away the personal property of another person of a value in excess of an amount set by law with the intent to deprive the owner or possessor of it permanently.

Among other rights, the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees that a person cannot be compelled to present self-incriminating testimony in a criminal proceeding.

To place a paper in the official custody of the clerk of court to enter into the files or records of a case.

For the judge or jury to determine and declare the guilt of the defendant.

Formal conclusion by a judge or jury on issues of fact.

To sentence a person convicted of an offense to pay a penalty in money.

The distinctive pattern of lines on human fingertips that are used as a method of identification in criminal cases.