Terminology

To help you understand a background check report, we have listed the most commonly used terms and abbreviations found on criminal reports that we provide.

Charge Code or Term	Definition
Aa by pub serv	aggravated assault by public servant
Aa/dw	aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
Aa/po	aggravated assault against peace officer
Aa/pub serv	aggravated assault against public servant
Aa/sbi	aggravated assault causes severe bodily injury
Aa/witness	aggravated assault against witness
ACCT	ACCOUNT
Acquittal	Judgment that a criminal defendant has not been proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acquitted - Non-conviction	The charges against the defendant are dropped.
Act phys asst w/o lic	act as physician asst without license
Adjudicated Guilty - Conviction	The defendant has been found guilty of the charges.
Adjudication Withheld	The withholdings of the rendering of a judgment of guilty or non-adjudication of guilt - (non-conviction)
Adjudication Withheld - Non-conviction	The court does not give a final judgment regarding the case. The defendant is given probation, a program or community service in which they have a specified amount of time to complete. If the defendant complies, the case may be dismissed, depending on the county/state. If they do not dismiss in that particular county/state, then the disposition remains adjudication withheld and the case is closed. However, if the defendant is found in violation, the case disposition may be changed and the defendant can be found in guilt.
Affidavit	A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
Affirmed	In the practice of the appellate courts, the decree or order is declared valid and will stand as rendered in the lower court.
AGG	AGGRAVATED
Agg aslt dw	aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
Agg aslt sbi	aggravated assault causes severe bodily injury
Agg kidnap	aggravated kidnapping
Agg prom prost	aggravated promotion of prostitution
Agg rob dw	aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon
Agg sex a-v ch drugs	aggravated sexual assault child
Agg sex a-v ch dw	aggravated sexual assault child
Agg sex a-v ch fear	aggravated sexual assault child
Agg sex a-v ch sbi	aggravated sexual assault child
Agg sex a-v ch/14	aggravated sexual assault child
Agg sex a-v concert	aggravated sexual assault
Agg sex a-v concert ch	aggravated sexual assault
Agg sex a-v drugs	aggravated sexual assault
Agg sex a-v dw	aggravated sexual assault with deadly weapon
Agg theft 100k r&c	theft >=$100K<$200K
Agg theft 200k r&c	theft >=$200K
Agg theft 50	theft >=$50<$500
Agg theft 50 pub serv	theft >=$50<$500 public servant
Agg theft r&c 20k	theft >=$20K<$100K
Aggregate	Accumulated Amount
ALCH	ALCOHOL
Answer	The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds of defense.
Appeal	A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal". One who appeals is called the appellant.
Appellate	About appeals; an appellate court has the power to review the judgment of another lower court of tribunal.
APPLIC	APPLICATION
ARD – Accelerated Rehab Disposition	Common in Pennsylvania - similar to probation however, this sentence has a dismissal and expungement eligibility providing all conditions and compliance’s set by the judge are strictly adhered to. Unlike probation - ARD cases are non-convictions.
ARD Program - Non-conviction	Stands for "Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program". Mostly found in the state of Pennsylvania. This program given to the defendant in place of adjudication. If the defendant completes the program, the case is closed.
Arraignment	A proceeding, in which an individual who is accused of committing a crime is brought into court, told of the charges and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.
ASLT	ASSAULT
Assault B-I	Assault to cause bodily injury.
ASSLT	ASSAULT
ATT	'ATTEMPT'
Att burg building	burglary of building
Att burg com	burglary of coin operated machine
Att burg hab	burglary of habitation
Att burg veh	burglary of vehicle
Att mfg cs 400g	poss with intent man/del controlled substance
Att tres hab	criminal trespass of a habitation
AUTH	AUTHORITY
Bail	Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his appearance on the date and time appointed.
Bail/Bond Forfeiture - Non-conviction	The charges against the defendant are dropped. Not enough evidence to convict.
Bankruptcy	Refers to statutes and judicial proceedings involving persons or businesses that cannot pay their debts and seek the assistance of the court in getting a fresh start. Under the protection of the bankruptcy court, debtors may discharge their debts, perhaps by paying a portion of each debt. Bankruptcy judges preside over these proceedings.
Bench Trial	Trial without a jury in which a judge decides the facts.
BENE	BENEFIT
BEV	BEVERAGE
BRD	BOARD
Brief	A written statement submitted by the lawyer for each side in a case that explains to the judges why they should decide the case or a particular part of a case in favor of that lawyer's client.
burg building	burglary of building
burg com	burglary of coin operated machine
burg hab	burglary of habitation
burg veh	burglary of vehicle
Burgl	Burglary
Burgl Habitation	Breaking into someone's house
bwi	boating while intoxicated
c/f us gov doc	counterfeiting/forging of government doc
Capital Offense	A crime punishable by death.
Case Law	The law as laid down in cases that have been decided in the decisions of the courts.
cc abuse	credit card abuse
CERT	CERTIFICATE
cf/tm	counterfeiting trademark
cf/tm 100k	counterfeiting trademark
Chambers	A judge's office
Charge to the Jury	The judge's instruction to the jury concerning the law that applies to the facts of the case on trial.
Chief Judge	The judge who has primary responsibility for the administration of a court but also decides cases; chief judges are determined by seniority.
CHRGE	CHARGE
CIG	CIGARETTE
Circumstantial Evidence	All evidence except eyewitness testimony.
Clerk of Courts	An officer appointed by the court to work with the chief judge in overseeing the court's administration, especially to assist in managing the flow of cases through the court and to maintain court records.
CNST	CONSENT
Common Law	The legal system that originated in England and is now in use in the United States. It is based on judicial decisions rather than legislative action.
COMMS	COMMISSION
Complaint	A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
Concurrent	Sentence taking place or existing at the same time as another
COND	CONDUCT
Conditional Discharge - Non-conviction	The defendant has no finding of guilt. The court is discharging him/her from trial on special conditions that they must abide by. If they do not abide by these conditions, the discharge may be revoked and the finding may become guilty.
Consent Decree - Conviction	This is found in New Mexico. It is designed as a disposition for juvenile cases in which the defendant pleas guilty and is place on the decree/probation for six months.
Contract	An agreement between two or more persons that creates an obligation to do or not to do a particular thing.
CONVIC	CONVICTION
Convicted - Conviction	The defendant has been found guilty of the charges
Convictions	A judgment of guilt against a criminal defendant.
CORP	CORPORATION
Counsel	Legal advice; a term used to refer to lawyers in a case.
Counterclaim	A claim that a defendant makes against a plaintiff.
Court	Government entity authorized to resolve legal disputes. Judges sometimes use" court" to refer to themselves in the third person, as in "the court has read the briefs."
Court reporter	A person who makes a word-for-word record of what is said in court and produces a transcript of the proceedings upon request.
Court Supervision	For first offenders in the state of Illinois, a "slap-on-the-wrist" type judgment whereby offender is verbally ordered to remain law abiding with no same or similar offender offenses committed. Fines and court costs may still be imposed. A non-conviction, this has eligibility for expungement.
Credit Time Served	Time spent in jail after the initial arrest but before the court appearance date. If in court, there is an additional order of confinement, this time could be credited to their sentence.
CRIM	CRIMINAL
Criminal Misc	Vandalism
CS	CONTROL SUBSTANCE
CTRATOR	CONTRACTOR
Damages	Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
Dangerous Drugs	Possession/Delivery of Controlled Substance.
dc abuse	debit card abuse
Dead Docket	Charges dropped / no further action taken, it is usually attached to other charges that the offender plea-bargained on.
Dead Docket - Non-conviction	Often seen in Fulton, Georgia. Not enough evidence that shows the defendant is guilty or that he is innocent. So case is set aside. If not brought back up, case is closed.
Deadly Conduct	Wielding a dangerous weapon, i.e. knife, gun, etc., or threatening to cause harm onto someone.
DECEP	DECEPTIVE
Declined	DA Declined to Prosecute. Not enough evidence to take to grand jury.
Default Judgment	A judgment rendered because of the defendant's failure to answer or appear.
Defendant	In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
Deferred Adjudication	Whereby the finds or guilt or not guilty is postponed for a period of time if certain conditions set forth by the judge are complied with. A non-conviction, this type of decision has a dismissal status with no finding of guilt.
Deferred Judgment - Non-conviction	The defendant has no finding of guilt. The judgment is set-aside for a deferred amount of time and the defendant must comply with any conditions give to him/her. The case can be dismissed depending on the county/state if defendant completes all requirements.
del cs	delivery of controlled substance
del mj	delivery of marijuana
DELIB	DELIBERATE
DEMD	DEMAND
Deposition	An oral statement made before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths. Such statements are often taken to examine potential witnesses, to obtain discovery, or to be used later in trial.
DEST	DESTROY
DIS TRCON DEV	Disregard of a Traffic Control Device.
Discovery	Lawyer’s examination, before trial, of facts and documents in possession of the opponents to help the lawyers prepare for trial.
DISEMIN	DISSEMINATION
Dismissed with Prejudice	The dismissal of any action with the understanding that the complainant can sue or file charges again on the same course of action.
Dismissed without Prejudice	Final disposition of a dismissal barring the right to file charges again or sues on the same cause of action.
dispense cs	unlawful dispense dangerous drug
Diversion Program	The setting aside of criminal prosecution into special programs or educating classes without the stigma of a criminal conviction. If specifications are adhered to, the case is often eligible for dismissal.
DMG	DAMAGES
Docket	A log containing brief entries of court proceedings.
Dropped - Non-conviction	Not enough evidence to convict the defendant.
DSMD	Dismissed
dui	driving while under the influence
DUI	DRIVING WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE
DUS	DRIVING UNDER SUSPENSION
dwi	driving while intoxicated
DWI	DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED
DWLR	DRIVING WHILE LICENSE REVOKED
dwls	driving while license suspended
DWLS	DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED
EMPL	EMPLOYEE
En Banc	"in the bench" or "full bench." Refers to court sessions with the entire membership of a court participating rather than the usual quorum. U.S. courts of appeals usually sit in panels of three judges, but may expand to a larger number in certain cases. They are then said to be sitting en banc.
ENH	ENHANCED
EQUIP	EQUIPMENT
EVID	EVIDENCE
Evidence	Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
Extradition Policy	The surrendering or transfer of a criminal by one state, city of country to another to answer to charges accused or convicted therein.
FAIL	FAILURE
FAL	FALSE
Federal Question	Jurisdiction given to federal courts in cases involving the interpretation and application of the U.S. Constitution, Acts of Congress and Treaties.
Felony	A serious crime carrying a penalty of more than a year in prison. However, confinement time varies from state to state.
FIC	FICTITIOUS
FID	FIDUCIARY
File	To place a paper in the official custody of the clerk of court to enter into the files or records of a case.
FINAN	FINANCIAL
FIX	Striking a highway fixture or landscape of greater than $200.00.
flid	failure to id
FLID UV	Failure to Identify Fugitive- Unable to verify.
FMFR	Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility.
Fraud Remains Writing	Intent to destroy or fraud an application of some type.
Freetext	Handwritten information next to the record that did not transfer over to the database. This does not affect the actual record.
FRWRK	FIREWORKS
fsra	failure to stop and render aid
FSRA	Failure to Stop and Render Aid.
FTA	Failure to Appear.
Fugitive File	The case has not been to trial. Found in Virginia. The same as Returned Unserved below.
fwi	flying while intoxicated
FWI	FLYING WHILE INTOXICATED
GORG	Guilty of Original Charge.
GOVT	GOVERNMENT
Grand Jury	A body of citizens who listen to evidence of criminal allegations, which are presented by the government, and determine whether there is probable cause to believe the offense was committed. As it is used in federal criminal cases, "the government" refers to the lawyers of the U.S. Attorney's office who are prosecuting the case.
Guilty - Conviction	It has been proven that the defendant committed the crime.
Guilty in Absentia - Conviction	The jury has found the defendant guilty without his having appeared in court.
Habeas Corpus	A writ that is usually used to bring a prisoner before the court to determine the legality of his imprisonment. It may also be used to bring a person in custody before the court to give testimony, or to be prosecuted.
HAZ	HAZARDOUS
Hearsay	Statements by a witness who did not see or hear the incident in question but heard about it from someone else. Hearsay is usually not admissible as evidence in court.
HMO	HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORG
ibc	issuance of bad check
Ignored - Non-conviction	The case never went to trial. It was ignored by the state.
ILL	ILLEGAL
Impeachment	(1) The process of calling something into question, as in "impeaching the testimony of a witness." (2) The constitutional process whereby the House of Representatives may "impeach" (accuse of misconduct) high officers of the federal government for trial in the Senate.
IMPERS	IMPERSONATING
In Forma Pauperis	In the manner of a pauper. Permission given to a person to sue without payment of court fees on claim of indigence or poverty.
ind exp	indecent exposure
Indec w/ child	Indecency with a Child.
Indictment	The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
INDUST	INDUSTRIAL
INFECT	INFECTED
INFO	INFORMATION
Information	A formal accusation by a government attorney that the defendant committed a misdemeanor.
INJ	INJURY
inj invalid	injury to disabled body
Injunction	An order of the court prohibiting (or compelling) the performance of a specific act to prevent irreparable damage or injury.
INS	INSURANCE
INSP	INSPECTION
INST	INSTITUTUTION
Instructions	Judge’s explanation to the jury before it begins deliberations of the questions it must answer and the law governing the case.
INT	INTENT
int oral comm	interception wire/oral/electronic communication
INTERC	INTERCEPTION
INTERF	INTERFERENCE
interfer po	interference w/duties of public servant
Interrogatories	Written questions asked by one party of an opposing party, who must answer them in writing under oath; a discovery device in a lawsuit.
INTOX	INTOXICATED
INV	INVOICE
INVEST	INVESTIGATION
ISS	ISSUE
Issue	(1) The disputed point in a disagreement between parties in a lawsuit. (2) To send out officially, as in to issue an order.
JPO	JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICE
Judge	Government official with authority to decide lawsuits brought before courts. Other judicial officers in the U.S. courts system are Supreme Court justices.
Judgment	The official decision of a court finally determining the respective rights and claims of the parties to a suit.
Jurisdiction	(1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
Jurisprudence	The study of law and the structure of the legal system.
Jury	Persons selected according to law and sworn to inquire into and declare a verdict on matters of fact.
keep gamb place	keeping a gambling place
LARC	LARCENY
Larceny	Theft
Lawsuit	A legal action started by a plaintiff against at defendant based on a complaint that the defendant failed to perform a legal duty, resulting in harm to the plaintiff.
LIC	LICENSE
Litigation	A case, controversy, or lawsuits. Participants (plaintiffs and defendants) in lawsuits are called litigants.
LOTT	LOTTERY
LVSTCK	LIVESTOCK
Magistrate Judges	Judicial officers who assist U.S. District Judges in getting cases ready for trial, who may decide some criminal and civil trials when both parties agree to have the case heard by a magistrate judge instead of a judge.
MAN	MANUFACTURE
mansi	manslaughter
MANSL	MANSLAUGHTER
MARIJ	MARIJUANA
mfr dang drug	manufacturing dangerous drug
MGMT	MANAGEMENT
MISAP	MISAPPROPRIATION
MISAPP	MISAPPROPRIATION
Misdemeanor	A less serious crime than a felony; usually a petty offense, punishable by probation or less than a year of confinement. Sentencing varies from state to state.
Misdemeanor Intervention Program - Non-conviction	A program designated only for misdemeanor offenses in which the defendant may comply to the conditions of the program in order to avoid a conviction.
Mistrial	An invalid trial caused by fundamental error. When a mistrial is declared, the trial must start again from the selection of the jury.
MKE	MAKE
MTN SUPRS GTD	Motion to Supress Granted.
MTR	MOTOR
Municipal Remand	A downgraded case, sent back to a lower court for further proceedings. These cases are usually felonies that are dropped to a misdemeanor.
MV	MOTOR VEHICLE
MVI	Moving Vehicle Incident.
NDL	No Driver's License.
neg hom	negligent homicide
No Action - Non-conviction	The court dropped the case and did no continue with the charges.
No bill by grand jury	Not enough evidence to indict on charges.
No Billed - Non-conviction	The District Attorney never sent the case to court and it was not tried.
No Billed by Grand Jury	Statement that finds insufficient evidence to hand down an indictment against a person accused of criminal charge. (Non-Conviction)
No Information Filed - Non-conviction	Mostly found in Florida. It means the case has been dropped.
No Information Filed by State	Common in Florida, the abandonment or dropping of a criminal case by the state attorney usually due to the lack of prosecution (evidence).
No Papered - Non-conviction	The paperwork was never sent to the court by the District Attorney and the case was never filed. Therefore, it was never brought to trial.
Nolle Prosse	"Not prosecuted;" the ending or dismissal of a criminal case whereby prosecutor decides to proceed no further.
Nolle Prosse - Non-conviction	Latin for "Not Prosecuted". This means there was not enough evidence to convict the defendant. The case is dropped.
Nolo Contendere	"No contest;" a plea entered when defendant does not directly admit guilt or innocence, does not contest the charges filed against him, and puts himself at the mercy of the court.
Nolo ContendrT - Conviction	Latin for "No Contest". The defendant has pled no contest to the charges against him or her. Therefore the court finds him or her guilty.
Non-Adjudication of Guilt - Non-conviction	Same as adjudication withheld.
NORG	Not Guilty of Original Charge.
Not Guilty - Non-conviction	A jury or judge trial finding that the defendant is innocent.
NUM	NUMBER
OPER	OPERATE
Opinion	A judge's written explanation of a decision of the court or of a majority of judges. A dissenting opinion disagrees with the majority opinion because of the reasoning and/or the principles or law on which the decision is based. A concurring opinion agrees with the decision of the court but offers further comment.
Oral Argument	An opportunity for lawyers to summarize their position before the court and also to answer the judges' questions.
Other - Non-conviction	Defendant is given special provisions for one year to abide by since this is a first offense. If no further violation of the same nature, case is closed.
Panel	(1) In appellate cases, a group of judges (usually three) assigned to decide the case; (2) in the jury selection process, the group of potential jurors.
PAR	POSSES DRUG PAROLED
Parties	Plaintiffs and defendants (petitioners and respondents) to lawsuits, also known as appellants and appellees in appeals, and their lawyers.
Pending	The case has not been to trial at this time. There is no disposition to report.
PERM	PERMIT
Petit Jury (or trial jury)	A group of citizens who hear the evidence presented by both sides at trial and determine the facts in dispute. Federal criminal juries consist of 12 persons. Federal civil juries consist of six persons.
PFM	PERFORMANCE
PHARM	PHARMACY
PHYS	PHYSICAL
PKG	PACKAGE
Plaintiff	The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
Plea	In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
Pleadings	Written statements of the parties in a civil case of their positions. In the federal courts, the principal pleadings are the complaint and the answer.
Pled Guilty - Conviction	The defendant has pled guilty to the charges against him/her and the court accepts the plea as a conviction.
POLIT	POLITICAL
PRACT	PRACTICE
Prayer for Judgment	Popular in the state of North Carolina, this non-conviction judgment is for first offenders whereby offender is order by the judge to remain law-abiding with no same or similar violations. Although it is a non-rendering of guilt, court costs or fines may still be imposed.
Prayer for Judgment - Non-conviction	Deferred Prosecution, meaning state did not prosecute. Often seen in North Carolina. For example, with worthless checks it gives the defendant a chance to pay the check before being charged.
Precedent	A court decision in an earlier case with facts and law similar to a dispute currently before a court. Precedent will ordinarily govern the decision of a later similar case, unless a party can show that it was wrongly decided or that it differed in some significant way.
Pretrial Conference	A meeting of the judge and lawyers to discuss which matters should be presented to the jury, to review evidence and witnesses, to set a timetable, and to discuss the settlement of the case.
Pre-Trial Intervention	"pti program," also known as diversion, criminal prosecution is set aside and instead certain programs or education’s imposed for the defendant to comply with. A non-conviction, these cases have a dismissal status.
Pre-Trial Intervention - Non-conviction	A program the defendant is placed in before going to trial. If the defendant complies prior to trial time, the trial will not be held for the charge and the defendant is not convicted.
PREV	PREVIOUS
Pro Se	A Latin term meaning, "on one's own behalf," in courts, in refers to persons who present their own cases without lawyers.
Probation	A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
PROC	PROCESSING
Procedure	The rules for the conduct of a lawsuit; there are rules of civil, criminal, evidence, bankruptcy, and appellate procedure.
Process Other - Non-conviction	Defendant was not charged on this count due to being charged for another count.
PROFES	PROFESSIONAL
PROG	PROGRAM
PROH	PROHIBITED
Prohib Sub Jail	Possessing a prohibited substance in a correctional facility.
PROP	PROPERTY
Prosecute	To charge someone with a crime. A prosecutor tries a criminal case on behalf of the government.
Prost	Prostitution.
PROST	PROSTITUTION
PUB	PUBLIC
PWC/Theft	Passing Worthless Checks.
Quashed	Dismissed.
Quashed	To overthrow, to make void, annul. As an example, "to quash a warrant or case."
RCPT	RECEIPT
RCV	RECEIVED
Record	A written account of all the acts and proceedings in a lawsuit.
REF	REFUSE
Refused - Non-conviction	The case never went to trial. The state refused to hear the case.
Rejected - Non-conviction	The case never went to trial. The state rejected the hearing of the case.
REL	RELEASE
REM	REMAINS
Remand	When an appellate court sends a case back to a lower court for further proceedings.
REP	REPORT
REPRE	REPRESENT
REQD	REQUIRED
Responsible - Non-conviction	The defendant is responsible for the payment of the fines or fees of the crime. They are not found in guilt, however, must pay what they are ordered. Often found on traffic tickets or minor violation.
Retaliation	Person commits this offense with the intension or knowingly harms or threatens to harm another; i.e. prospective witness or informant; to prevent or delay the service of another such as a public servant or prospective witness.
Returned Unserved	The case has not been to trial at this time. Found in North Carolina. A warrant, summons or paper from the district attorney's office was issued for delivery to the defendant to appear for trial; however, the defendant could not be located. Therefore, the case is technically pending, however, the paperwork was never served.
Reverse	When an appellate court sets aside the decision of a lower court because of an error. A reversal is often followed by a remand.
RQST	REQUEST
RSP	RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY
SBI	SERIOUS BODILY INJURY
SCH	SCHEDULE
sedd	securing execution of document by deception
SEDD	or (SEC EXE DOCUMENT DEC) Securing Execution of Document by Deception.
Sentence	The punishment ordered by a court for a defendant convicted of a crime.
Sequester	To separate. Sometimes juries are isolated from outside influences during their deliberations.
SER	SERVICE
Service of Process	The service of writs or summonses to the appropriate party.
Settlement	Parties to a lawsuit resolve their difference without having a trial. Settlements often involve the payment of compensation by one party in satisfaction of the other party's claims.
Shock Probation	Placed into rehab for the crime committed. The rehab illustrates what kind of harm they have placed on the victim by having the criminal listen to stories and videos of actual victims.
Sidebar	A conference between the judge and lawyers held out of earshot of the jury and spectators.
SIM	SIMULATE
SLD	SOLID
SOCTY	SOCIETY
SPD	SPEEDING
SPDG	SPEEDING
SR	SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY
Statute	A law passed by a legislature.
Statute of Limitations	A law that sets the time within which parties must take action to enforce their rights.
Stay of Execution	The delay in issuing a sentence until a future time, generally allowed in appealed or erroneous proceedings cases.
STET	Common in Maryland "Put on the shelf" the setting aside of judgment or further proceedings of a case for a period of time pending certain specified conditions set forth by judge are adhered to.
Stet Docket - Non-conviction	Will not prosecute at this time. Eligible to be re-opened for one year if a violation is committed during that time. After the one-year period and no violations have been committed, it cannot be re-opened and the case is closed.
STMT	STATEMENT
Stricken Off Leave - Non-conviction	Often seen in Illinois. Stricken off docket with the ability to reinstate at a later date if deemed case can be prosecuted. This is often because the prosecutors run out of time to prosecute.
Subpoena	A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
Subpoena Duces Tecum	A command to a witness to produce documents.
Summary Judgment	A decision made on the basis of statements and evidence presented for the record without a trial. It is used when there is no dispute as to the facts of the case, and one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.
Summary Judgment	A decision made on the basis of statements and evidence presented for the record without a trial, usually when there is no dispute in effect.
SUPP	SUPPRESS
SUSP	SUSPEND
Suspended of Imposition of Sentence	A sentence (usually jail) that the judge allows the person to avoid serving, providing certain conditions and/or specifications is strictly adhered to. (Non-Conviction)
SYS	SYSTEM
TEL	TELEPHONE
Temporary Restraining Order	Prohibits a person from an action that is likely to cause irreparable harm. This differs from an injunction in that it may be granted immediately, without notice to the opposing party, and without a hearing. It is intended to last only until a hearing can be held.
Testimony	Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
Theft Check 20	Theft by check for less than $20.
Theft Enhanced	Record Before 1994: Theft of property less than $750. Enhanced: Has been convicted at least 2 times before for the same crime. Considered 3rd Degree felony. Record After 1994: Theft of property less than $1500. Enhanced: Has been convicted at least 2 times before for the same crime. Considered State Jail Felony.
theft serv 100k	theft >=$100K<$200K
theft serv 20	theft >=$20<$50
theft serv 20k	theft >=$20K<$100K
theft serv200k	theft >=$200K
Tort	A civil wrong or breach of a duty to another person, as outlined by law. A very common tort is negligent operation of a motor vehicle that results in property damage and personal injury in an automobile accident.
Transcript	A written, word-for-word record of what was said, either in a proceeding such as a trial or during some other conversation, as in a transcript of a hearing or oral deposition.
TRANSF	TRANSFER
TRANSP	TRANSPORT
True Billed	An indictment; a statement made by a grand jury that finds sufficient evidence against an individual to proceed with a case.
U.S. Attorney	A lawyer appointed by the President in each judicial district to prosecute and defend cases for the federal government.
ucw	unlawful carrying of weapon
UCW	UNLAWFUL CARRYING OF WEAPON
UNAUTH	UNATHORIZED
UNL	UNLAWFUL
UPF	unlawful possession firearm by felon
Uphold	The decision of an appellate court not to reverse a lower court decision.
Uuev	unlawful use of emergency vehicle
UUEV	UNLAWFUL USE OF EMERGENCY VEHICLE
UUMA	UNAUTHORIZED USE OF MOTOR VEHICLE
Uumv	unauthorized use of motor vehicle
UUMV	UNAUTHORIZED USE OF MOTOR VEHICLE
Vacated	To render of no effect a judgment decision, order or case.
VACC	VACCINATION
VEH	VEHICLE
Venue	The geographical location in which a case is tried.
Verdict	The decision of a petit jury or a judge.
VICT	VICTIM
Voir Dire	The process by which judges and lawyers select a petit jury from among those eligible to serve, by questioning them to determine knowledge of the facts of the case and a willingness to decide the case only on the evidence presented in court. "Voir dire" is a phrase meaning "to speak the truth."
vssa	violation of state securities act
Waived - Conviction	Mainly found in the state of North Carolina. This means the defendant has waived his/her right to trial and has pled guilty to the charges. In turn, the court accepts the plea of guilt.
Warrant	A written order directing the arrest of a party. A search warrant orders that a specific location be searched for items, which if found, can be used in court as evidence.
Witness	A person called upon by either side in a lawsuit to give testimony before the court or jury.
Writ	A formal written command issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.
Writ of Certiorari	An order issued by the Supreme Court directing the lower court to transmit records for a case for which it will hear on appeal.

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