– 865.215.3925

A decision by a judge or a jury that the person accused is not guilty of the crime for which they were tried.

A sworn statement primarily used to justify the issuance of an arrest warrant or a search warrant.

In a legal setting, a claim or assertion that has yet to be proven or established as a fact.

A request that another, higher court review the decision of a lower court. A defendant has a right to appeal his/her conviction, but the prosecution cannot appeal an acquittal.

An initial appearance where the defendant is advised of the charges against him/her.

A written order from a judge or magistrate directing a law enforcement officer to take a person suspected of a crime into physical custody.

An attorney for the State in criminal cases; a prosecutor.

A warrant that is issued by a court to have someone arrested for such things as failure to appear in court or contempt of court.

An agreement to pay the court system as security for the release of a defendant from jail; often used interchangeably with “Bond”. Bail can be made with cash, property or with a surety.