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CRIMINAL JUSTICE TERMINOLOGY S through W

Sentence - The judgement formally pronounced by the judge upon the defendant after his/her conviction in a criminal prosecution, setting the punishment for the offense.

Sentencing - The judgement of a court concerning the defendant's punishment.

Statement of Charges - A charging document, other than a citation, filed in District Court by a peace officer or by a judicial officer.

State's Attorney - An elected official authorized to prosecute an offense on behalf of the State or a political subdivision thereof.

Stet - The postponement of a trial by the court on a motion of the State's Attorney and without objection from the defendant.

Stet Docket - The case is placed on an inactive status for a period of time, provided that the defendants, or both parties, agree to abide by certain conditions, after which the case will be dismissed. If the defendant does not abide by those conditions, the case may be set for trial.

Subpoena - official court notice mandating the appearance of person(s) or record(s) at a specific time and place to give testimony on a certain matter. In a criminal action, failure to attend may result in issuance of a warrant for that person's arrest.

Summons - Official court notice mandating specific time and place of person(s) to appear in court to answer the complaint in an action committed against him/her. In a criminal action, failure to attend may result in issuance of a warrant for that person's arrest.

Suspended Sentence - After judgement of conviction, the suspension of a sentence and the placing of the defendant under such terms and conditions as the Court deems proper.

Trial - The examination of an issue before a Court of law; in a criminal case, the defendant must be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. A trial may take place before a judge and a jury or just a judge.

Trial De Novo - (Latin) - A new trial or retrial held in an appellate court in which the whole case is retried as if no trial has ever been conducted before.

Venue - The particular county or city within which a court with jurisdiction may hear and decide on a case.

Verdict - The decision of the court pertaining to the merits of the offense(s) charged against the defendant.

Victim - An individual who suffers direct or threatened physical, emotional, financial, or spiritual harm as a result of a crime. This includes family members of: homicide /DWI victims, minors, and of and incompetent victim.

Warrant - An authority or a written order issued by a judicial officer or magistrate on behalf of the state. It is based on a complaint issued pursuant to a law or statute and commands a law enforcement officer to bring a person to court.

Witness - One who testifies to what he/she has seen, heard, or otherwise observed and who is not necessarily a party to the action. The attendance of a witness at the trial is secured by issuing a subpoena. (If you are a victim of a crime and the case goes to court you will be considered a witness for the State)