MUNICIPAL COURT
OF ATLANTA
The defendant is found not guilty by a court of law in a criminal case.
A request made to a higher court after a motion or trial by a party that has lost on one or more issues to determine if the court’s decision was correct.
A formal hearing where the defendant is notified of the charge against them. The defendant may plead guilty, not guilty or nolo contendre (no contest) to the offense.
The amount of money defendants must post to be released from custody to secure their appearance at all court proceedings.
The amount of money a bond company must post on behalf of the defendant to be released from custody, to secure their appearance at all court proceedings. The bail will be forfeited should the defendant not appear in court at the required time.
A trial without a jury, in which the judge serves as the fact-finder.
A warrant issued by a judge for a defendant's arrest after the defendant fails to appear or fails to comply with a court order.
When the case is removed from a municipal court and transferred to a higher court.
Bond is the term that describes when a bondsman makes a pledge on someone’s behalf to pay their bill if they do not attend court.
A schedule of cases to be heard in court.
The calling of matters requiring parties, or their attorneys, to appear and be heard, usually done at the beginning of each court day.
A court proceeding in which the defendant is tried for conduct that is considered to be illegal according to the law.
A cash bond is cash paid in the full amount of the bond, which will be returned by the court to the surety when the appearance requirements of the bond have been fulfilled.
A copy of a document signed and certified as a true copy of an original by the Clerk of the Court.
A written statement carrying a signature or seal.
The defendant has completed the condition of a plea, diversion, or an order of the court.
A joining of two or more cases/charges to be tried together.
The Defendant has pled guilty or been found guilty of an offense by a court of law.
A person who transcribes by shorthand or stenographically takes down testimony during court proceedings.
The determination reached by a court in any judicial proceeding that is the basis of the judgment.
The person who is accused of the offense.
Procedures used to obtain disclosure of evidence before trial.
A decision to not move forward with the charges against the defendant.
The current status or final outcome of an arrest or prosecution.
Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder to decide the case in favor of one side or the other.
A proceeding brought before a court by one party only, without notice to or challenge by the other side.
A paper, document or other article produced and exhibited to a court during a trial or hearing and, on being accepted, is marked for identification or admitted in evidence.
Occurs when a defendant misses a court date that is listed on the citation or notice, resulting in a warrant or driver's license suspension.
Surcharges fixed by the State of Georgia and City of Atlanta.
To place a document in the custody of the Clerk of Court to be included in the official record of a case.
A monetary penalty associated with an offense imposed as part of a judgement.
A defendant takes legal responsibility for the charge against them.
A determination by the judge or jury that the defendant committed the offense.
Evidence presented by a witness who did not see or hear the incident in question but heard about it from someone else.
The power the court may exercise over real property.
The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a certain type of case.
A trial with a jury, in which the jury serves as the fact-finder.
A person who is seventeen (17) years of age or younger.
The state of being responsible for something, especially by law.
A charge on specific property that is designed to secure payment of a debt.
Party to a legal action.
The defendant is not admitting to the offense but does wish to contest.
The defendant has not abided by a court order or the defendant has not completed the conditions of a plea.
The defendant denies committing the alleged offense.
A determination by the judge or jury that the defendant did not commit the offense.
When a person unreasonably interferes with a right that the general public shares in common.
A decision or directive issued by a court.
A person or entity who takes part in a legal action. Also, commonly referred to as ‘litigant’.
The case is waiting for a final judgment.
The defendant's statement pleading "guilty", "not guilty" or “nolo contendre” in response to the charges.
Allows you to enter a plea without appearing in court.
Instrument authorizing one to act legally for another either generally or in a specified matter.
Representing yourself in court.
A lawyer appointed by the court to represent a defendant who cannot afford an attorney.
A written account of the proceedings in a case, including all pleadings, evidence, and exhibits submitted.
A penalty or other type of enforcement used to bring about compliance with the law or with rules and regulations.
The punishment ordered by a court for a defendant convicted of a crime.
The prosecuting attorney representing the City in a civil or quasi criminal matter.
A law passed by a legislature.
To set aside a judgement.
The decision of a trial jury or a judge that determines the guilt or innocence of a criminal defendant, or that determines the final outcome of a civil case.
Court authorization for law enforcement officers to conduct a search or make an arrest.
A petition requesting a higher court to hear a case on appeal.
