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Legal Terminology

  • Acquittal: A verdict in a criminal trial where the defendant is found not guilty, indicating that the prosecution failed to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
     

  • Arraignment: A court proceeding where the defendant is formally informed of the charges against them, asked to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest), and may have bail determined. It is one of the initial stages in a criminal trial.
     

  • Bail: A sum of money or a bond paid to secure the temporary release of an accused person from custody while awaiting trial.
     

  • Bail Bonds: Used when a defendant cannot afford to pay the full bail amount. The defendant or their representative pays a percentage of the total bail amount (typically 10% to 15% of the bail) as a non-refundable fee to the bondsman. The bondsman then posts the full bail amount with the court as a guarantee that the defendant will appear in court. 
     

  • Burden of Proof: The responsibility of the prosecution to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a criminal trial.
     

  • Conviction: A formal declaration of guilt by a court following a criminal trial or plea agreement.
     

  • Defendant: The person accused of committing a crime and facing criminal charges in court.
     

  • Discovery: The process through which the prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including witness statements, documents, and other information relevant to the case.
     

  • Due Process: The principle that individuals are entitled to fair and lawful treatment under the law, including the right to a fair trial.
     

  • Expungement: A legal process that involves erasing or destroying a person's criminal record, making it as though the arrest or conviction never occurred.
     

  • Felony: A serious criminal offense typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
     

  • Habeas Corpus: A legal action that allows individuals in custody to challenge the lawfulness of their detention.
     

  • Indictment: A formal written accusation issued by a grand jury, charging a person with a crime and initiating a criminal prosecution.
     

  • Jury: A group of citizens selected to hear evidence in a trial and render a verdict based on the facts presented.
     

  • Miranda Rights: A warning given to suspects in custody, informing them of their rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
     

  • Misdemeanor: A lesser criminal offense, typically punishable by fines, probation, community service, or a jail sentence of less than one year.
     

  • Plea Bargain: An agreement between the prosecution and the defendant in which the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge or receives a reduced sentence in exchange for cooperation or a guilty plea.
     

  • Reasonable Doubt: The level of uncertainty or doubt that would cause a reasonable person to hesitate before convicting a defendant; a standard the prosecution must meet in a criminal trial.
     

  • Seal: The process of restricting public access to an individual's criminal record, making it unavailable to the general public but still accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies.
     

  • Subpoena: A legal order requiring an individual to appear in court as a witness or to produce documents or evidence.
     

  • Testimony: Statements or evidence provided by witnesses under oath during a trial.
     

  • Unlawful Search and Seizure: The violation of a person's Fourth Amendment rights when law enforcement conducts a search or seizes property without a warrant or without meeting legal exceptions.
     

  • Witness: A person who observes or has knowledge of events related to a criminal case and is called to testify in court.
     

T. Andrew Marks represents clients who have been arrested in Florida for Assault & Battery, BUI, DUI, Forgery, Kidnapping, Restraining Orders, Lewd or Lascivious Conduct, Robbery & Theft, Sexual Battery, Weapons & Firearms, Worthless Checks, Burglary, Domestic Violence, DOMV Injunctions, Drugs, Driving Under the Influence, False Domestic Charges, Felony Sentencing, Forgery & Counterfeiting, Resisting With Violence, Resisting Without Violence, Stalking, Traffic Offenses, White Collar Crime, Disorderly Conduct, Drunk Driving, Expungement, Juvenile Crimes, Probation Violation, Sex Crimes, serving all clients throughout Florida, including Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, Okaloosa County, Walton County, Holmes County, Pensacola, Perdido, Cantonment, Jay, Beulah, Milton, Pace, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Fort Walton Beach, Eglin AFB, Pensacola NAS, Destin, Crestview, Niceville, Valparaiso, Sandestin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach. ©2021 by T. Andrew Marks.

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