It’s important to know the necessary terminology involved in these critical matters when you are involved in the legal arena, be it jail, bail bonds, court, and other such legal proceedings. Because they haven’t been acquainted with legal terminology before, quite a few people can get a little lost in communication. To help you better navigate, we at Ajua Bail Bonds would like to share a few common legal terms you should know.
Bail Legal Words & Jargon
Arraignment. A court hearing or court procession is what arraignment refers to. The court will formally make a decision and inform the defendant of their charges in an indictment if it applies at an arraignment. If they wish to formally plea, the court will then take the defendant’s answer to the listed charges. Should the case doesn’t settle or get dismissed the judge will then hold a preliminary hearing in terms of felony cases, following the arraignment. If there is enough information and necessary evidence to convict the defendant, the judge will then decide.
Bench Warrant. A warrant issued by a judge when the defendant violates the rules of the court is known as a bench warrant. This generally refers to the defendant missing their court date. They can bring them in and hold them in jail until their court hearing- without the option for bail if the police catch the defendant when they have a bench warrant out. The defendants are considered to be a liability to a bonds company and the court system since they have already exhibited risky behavior by failing to appear.
Exonerated. Hopefully, one you will come to hear this key term in a legal proceeding. Basically, exonerated means especially after due consideration of the case, absolve someone from blame for a fault or wrongdoing, or release someone from a duty or obligation. The defendant is considered free, discharged from crime or liability is what it means to be to be exonerated. Also, to be exonerated means a person who was previously convicted of a crime and was later proven to be innocent and therefore released from their sentence.
Reinstatement. When it comes to court, the definition takes on a similar meaning, reinstatement is defined as the action of giving someone back a position they have lost or the restoration of something such as law or custom. Refers to a defendant who has missed their court date, either intentionally, or through unavoidable circumstances. Either intentionally, or through unavoidable circumstances, reinstatement is a legal process, of which refers to a defendant who has missed their court date. Commonly known as “reinstated” with the court, the defendant can have their bench warrant (failure to appear in court warrant) removed and therefore have the bail bond re-activated. By working with the bail bond agency and the defendant to reach an agreeable date, the court will then set a new court date. There are likely to be additional fees for the defendant or their co-signer for the inconvenience caused by their failure to appear, though this is essentially a second chance.
Summary Judgement. A judgment entered by a court for one party and therefore against the opposing party, without a full trial. Just within certain details and discrete issues in the case or this may occur and relate to the entire case. The defendant will move for summary judgment to effectively settle or reach a streamlined settlement in a court hearing, typically.
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If you find yourself or a loved one in any sort of legal situation, all these legal terms and definitions are exceptionally important to familiarize yourself with. To help make the entire experience smoother and less stressful, knowing your rights, due process, and the language to define these proceedings is critical. When you are in need of posting bail in Central California, call in the experts of Ajua Bail Bonds.
