Legal terms can be confusing, especially when they’re used in high-stress situations like court proceedings, legal disputes, or bail matters. Whether you or a loved one is dealing with the justice system or you simply want a better understanding of how it works, knowing common legal terms can help you feel more confident and prepared. Informed decisions are always better decisions.
Below are legal terms you may hear during the arrest, bail, and court process.
Common Legal Terms Explained
Accused – the person who has been arrested and is on trial for a crime
Affidavit – a written statement made under oath outlining facts of a case
Aiding and Abetting – helping someone commit a crime, either before or after it occurs
Alias Warrant – an arrest warrant issued when a defendant fails to appear in court or respond to a citation
Appeal – a request for a higher court to review a conviction
Arraignment – the court hearing where charges are formally presented and a plea is entered
Arrest Warrant – a court order authorizing law enforcement to arrest a person or seize property
Bail – money set by the court to ensure a defendant appears at all court dates
Bail Bond – a contract with a licensed bail bondsman to post bail on behalf of the defendant
Bail Bondsman – a licensed individual who acts as a surety and posts bail for a defendant
Bail Schedule – a list showing recommended bail amounts for specific crimes
Bench Trial – a trial decided by a judge instead of a jury
Bond – a written legal agreement
Cash Bond – the full bail amount paid directly to the court
Charge – a formal accusation of a crime
Citation – a notice to appear in court for a minor offense
Citation Release – release from custody with instructions to appear in court later
Collateral – property or valuables used to secure a bail bond
Conviction – a finding of guilt by a judge or jury
Defendant – a person accused of a crime
Deposition – sworn oral testimony given outside of court
Discharge – release of a bond after all obligations are satisfied
Docket – the official schedule of court cases
Exoneration – legal release from responsibility for a crime
Extradition – transfer of a defendant from one jurisdiction to another
Failure to Appear – missing a scheduled court date, often resulting in a warrant and bail forfeiture
Felony – a serious crime punishable by prison or, in extreme cases, death
Forfeiture – loss of bail money or collateral due to noncompliance
Fugitive – a person who flees to avoid prosecution
Indemnitor – the person who provides money or collateral for a bail bond
Indictment – formal criminal charges issued against a defendant
Injunction – a court order requiring or preventing certain actions
Jurisdiction – the legal authority to hear and decide a case
Jury – a group of citizens selected to determine a verdict
Jury Trial – a trial where a jury decides the outcome
Lien – a legal claim against property until a debt is satisfied
Misdemeanor – a lesser crime typically punishable by fines or short jail terms
Motion – a formal request made to a judge
Premium – the non-refundable fee paid to a bail bondsman
Probation – supervised release with conditions instead of jail time
Public Defender – a court-appointed attorney for defendants who cannot afford private counsel
Recognizance – release without bail based on a promise to appear in court
Remand – an order returning a defendant to custody or sending a case back to a lower court
Sentence – the punishment imposed after conviction
Surety – a person or company that guarantees another’s obligation
Surety Bond – a contract involving the court, defendant, and bail bondsman
Warrant – a court order authorizing arrest
Why Knowing These Terms Matters
Knowledge is power. Understanding legal terminology can reduce stress, prevent costly mistakes, and help you make smarter decisions for yourself and your loved ones during a difficult time.
If you or a loved one has been arrested in the New Port Richey area, contact Mercy Bail Bonds at (727) 856-7775. Our experienced staff is available 24/7 to answer questions and begin the process of getting you or your loved one home as quickly as possible.