An accusatory instrument is a written accusation filed with the court charging the defendant with one or more offenses.

The lawyer representing the government in prosecuting the case. An A.D.A. is also known as an Assistant District Attorney, the People or the Prosecutor.

A postponement.

An arraignment is the first court appearance for a defendant. The judge will advise the defendant of the charges and certain rights that apply, including the right to be represented by an attorney. Th [..]

The purpose of bail is to insure the defendant’s return to court. The greater the risk that the defendant will not return to court, the higher the bail that will be set. The defense lawyer will usuall [..]

A bench warrant is an order issued by the Court for a defendant's arrest if he or she fails to appear for a court proceeding.

A person suspected of Driving While Intoxicated (D.W.I) (D.W.A.I.) may be asked to submit to a chemical test. This test will determine the presence and quantity of alcohol or drugs within a person [..]

A chemical test refusal hearing is an administrative hearing conducted by the Department of Motor Vehicles within 15 days from the date of the Defendant's arraignment. The purpose is to determine [..]

When the Court accepts a plea of guilty or a finding of guilt by the Court or a jury after trial. A defendant who has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing has been convicted.

The DDP is a seven-week course with sessions that total 16 hours. It involves alcohol education as well as screening and referral for treatment. The DDP is often mandated by the Court as part of its s [..]