Security given for the release of a jailed person that guarantees his or her attendance at all required court.

In the criminal law, a finding of not guilty.

The means by which a criminal defendant, after exhausting appellate remedies, seeks to attack the conditions of his/her confinement or otherwise indirectly attack his/her conviction.

The actual restraint of a person for submission to custody.

A felony case punishable by death.

Written guaranty executed by a defendant and a surety to ensure the defendant will appear and make him/herself available to the court.

The hearing at which the accused is formally charged, their rights read, and the accused make a plea.

An act in violation of the penal laws and for which a specific punishment is prescribed.

Process in which the defendant in a criminal case and the prosecutor work out a satisfactory disposition of the case.

The result returned by a grand jury when there is no probable cause to believe a crime has been committed.

A body of citizens assembled to receive complaints and accusations in criminal cases, to hear evidence, and to determine whether probable cause exists that a crime has been committed and whether an indictment could be issued.

A sentence imposed for commission of a crime in which a convicted criminal is released into the community under the supervision of a probation officer in lieu of incarceration.

The document generated by a grand jury if probable cause exists to believe a crime has been committed.

A plea in which the defendant neither admits nor denies the charges.

A person or entity who posts bond for another.

The release from jail, prison, or other confinement after serving part of a sentence.

Judgment on the verdict, usually in a criminal action.

A written accusation against the defendant.

A minor criminal offense.