§ Legal Dictionary
Legal Dictionary Plain-English explanations of legal terms, court concepts, summons language, and New York legal procedure.
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ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal) Sentencing & Outcomes
A court resolution that adjourns a case for a period of time — typically 6 months to 1 year — with the understanding that if the defendant stays out of trouble,…
Adjournment Courtroom Terms
A postponement of a court proceeding to a later date. When a case is adjourned, the current court date ends and a new date is scheduled. Adjournments can be req…
Affidavit Legal Documents
A written statement of facts that the signer swears is true under penalty of perjury. Affidavits are used in court to present evidence, support motions, and est…
Appearance Ticket Criminal Procedure
A written notice issued by police directing a person to appear in court on a specified date to answer a charge. It is similar to a Desk Appearance Ticket. The p…
Arraignment Criminal Law
Your first formal court appearance after being charged with a crime. The judge reads the charges against you, you enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contes…
Arrest Processing NYPD / Procedure
The administrative and legal steps that occur after a person is arrested, before they appear in court. This includes fingerprinting, photographing, running crim…
Arrest Warrant Criminal Procedure
A court order directing police to arrest a specific person. It is issued when a judge finds probable cause to believe a person committed a crime but that person…
Assault Charges & Offenses
Intentionally, recklessly, or negligently causing physical injury to another person. In New York, assault ranges from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class B felony …
Assigned Counsel Parties & Roles
A private attorney appointed by the court to represent an indigent defendant. Unlike Legal Aid staff attorneys, assigned counsel are private lawyers paid by the…
Bench Warrant Criminal Procedure
A warrant issued directly by a judge — from the bench — ordering the arrest of a person who failed to appear in court or violated a court order. Unlike an arres…
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Definitions are simplified for education. Legal meanings can vary by jurisdiction, context, and case facts.