What are Common Criminal Law Terms?

A trusted criminal defense attorney in Atlanta, GA knows that, if you are charged with a criminal offense, it is critical you understand the words and definition of terms being thrown around during your trial by your attorney, the prosecutor and the judge so you can fully grasp everything going on around you and about you.

Here are a few general, but important, terms you need to know. If you ever have a question about a term or a process, do not hesitate to talk to your criminal defense attorney serving Atlanta, GA for clarification.

What is an accessory?

An accessory generally refers to someone who helped commit the crime in some way but was not present at the time the crime occurred. They may have helped plan the crime or helped after the fact by hiding you or any evidence.

What is an accomplice?

Unlike the accessory, the accomplice was present with you when the crime was committed. This person usually is guilty of the same crime and gets the same penalties as you.

Explain ‘accused’

Before you are tried for your crime but have been charged, you are known as the accused, or someone blamed for the crime.  If you are accused of a crime, you should definitely contact a tenacious criminal defense attorney for Atlanta, Georgia, such as The Lynch Law Group

What is an acquittal?

If the jury or judge finds you not guilty, you may be acquitted of your crime — meaning not guilty.

What is admissible evidence?

Evidence that the jury or trial needs to take into consideration when determining your innocence or guilt.

What is an admission?

The is the term used when you confess to a charge. Another work is acknowledgment.

Explain the difference between aggravated assault and aggravated battery.

Aggravated assault is when you purposely attempt to cause someone serious bodily harm using a deadly weapon. Aggravated battery is actually using force with a dangerous weapon knowing it could or will cause severe bodily harm.

What is an appeal?

This is what your Atlanta, GA criminal defense attorney would file if they want your case to be looked at by a court of appeal. This can happen if you are found guilty and feel you were misjudged.

What is an arraignment?

The meeting in court where you as the defendant enters your plea (guilty or not guilty) of the crimes you have been accused of committing.

What is bond or bail money?

This is the amount of money that the court requires in order for you to be released prior to your trial. If you do not return to court, this money is forfeited.

Explain ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’

It is the burden of the prosecutor to convince the judge or jury that you committed the crime without any doubt. The jury can only return a guilty verdict if they are convinced without a doubt that you were guilty.

What is circumstantial evidence?

Any evidence that was not witnessed personally by anyone is called circumstantial evidence. This includes fingerprints, which if yours are found at the scene, can be inferred evidence.

Concurrent or consecutive sentences

If you are serving prison time for varying crimes, the time may be served ‘concurrently’ or at the same time. Consecutive sentences are terms that are served successively or one after another.

If you have any questions about these any of these terms or would like to discuss your case with a trusted criminal defense attorney serving Atlanta, GA, call The Lynch Law Group today!