Crim_final keywords

A court appearance in which the defendant is formally charged with a crime and asked to respond by pleading guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere.

An officer of the court responsible for executing writs and processes, making arrests, and keeping order in the court.

A declaration of the charges against an accused person that is presented to a grand jury to determine whether enough evidence exists for an indictment.

A law enforcement organization that enforces federal laws and regulations relating to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives, and arson.

Anti-androgen drugs, usually administered by injection, that have the effect of lowering the testosterone level and blunting the sex drive in males.

The number of crimes that have been solved by the police. Often, offenders who are arrested for a crime will give information about other crimes they have committed. This allows police to "clear" those cases.

A component of a county corrections system. The stockade usually holds offenders who have already been sentenced. Because of overcrowding in state systems, many county stockades hold state felony offenders on a contract basis.

The power of a judge, public official, or law enforcement officer to make decisions on issues within legal guidelines. For example, a prosecutor exercises discretion about which cases are inserted into the criminal justice system.

Enforces U.S. controlled substances laws and regulations. Also brings to the U.S. criminal system organizations involved in the growing, manufacture, and/or distribution of controlled substances to be trafficked in the United States.

A form of intermediate punishment in which an offender is allowed to remain in the community but must wear an electronic device that allows the authorities to monitor his or her whereabouts. Electronic monitoring may also be done via telephone.

The principal investigative arm of the Department of Justice. It investigates the crimes assigned to it and provides cooperative services to other law enforcement agencies.

A crime punishable by a term in state or federal prison and sometimes by death. In some instances, a sentence for a felony conviction may be less than one year. Felonies are sometimes called "high crimes."

An agency of the Department of Justice responsible for enforcing the laws regulating the admission of foreigners to the United States and for administering immigration benefits, including the naturalization of applicants for U.S. citizenship.

A crime considered less serious than a felony. Usually tried in the lowest local courts and punishable by no more than one year in jail.

The decision of grand jury not to indict an accused person due to insufficient evidence. Also called "no true bill."