Legal Terms

These are some commonly used terms and phrases seen in the courts. However, you should CHECK your local State Statutes for the definition of each statute as they may vary from State to State.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

Complainant - The person who initiates charges by reporting a crime to the police.

Deferred Adjudication Probation - A person who has received deferred adjudication and who completes the period of probation does not have a final conviction.

Dept. of Corrections (DOC)

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) - The offense committed by one who operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor and/or drugs.

Failure to Appear (FTA)

Field Sobriety Tests (FST's)

Guilty Plea (GP)

Nolle Prosequi (nol pros) - A Latin term commonly meaning that the State decides to not prosecute the defendant in a criminal case.

Prayer for Jury Trial

Time Served - The Defendant is given credit for time he/she served in jail while waiting for trial.