Vocabulary Guide

  • Public defenders who represent people accused of crimes when the primary public defender office faces a conflict of interest.

  • The first time that a person accused of a crime appears in court and hears the charges against them.

  • Money or property paid to the court on behalf of a person accused of a crime. The money is meant to ensure the person’s appearance at future court dates; the money is returned if the person attends all their court appearances. Learn more about bail here.

  • When a judge increases the amount of money a person must pay to be released from custody before their trial.

  • Booking is when an arrested person is initially detained and their personal information is entered into police department’s system.

  • A store in jail where people can purchase authorized items such food, hygiene, shoes, and stationary products, if someone on the outside deposits money into their account.

  • A person accused of participating the same unlawful activity as the defendant. They may face similar or joint legal proceeding.

  • A government official who prosecutes people accused of a crime.

  • A program where people charged with certain crimes are directed away from traditional court proceedings to programs such as counseling or community service.

  • A policy where certain people sentenced to California prison can be eligible for release after serving half their sentence. Release is influenced by a variety of factors, including the conviction and program participation.

  • Generally, pre-trial detention facility. In California, jails are operated by a county sheriff office. Learn more about jails here.

  • Juvenile hall is prison for children under the age of 18. Learn more about juvenile halls here.

  • When a person is allowed to be released from pretrial custody with a signed promise to appear, rather than needing to post bail or bond.

  • A system that allows someone in prison to be released before completing their sentence, under certain conditions. Learn more about parole on the Prison Policy Initiative website.

  • When the person accused of a crime agrees to plead guilty or no contest to specific charges in exchange for concessions from the district attorney, such as a recommendation for a lighter sentence or reduction in charges.

  • A pretrial release office surveils and monitors people who have been accused of a crime but whose case has not yet been resolved.

  • Where people serve criminal sentences of one year or more. In California, these facilities are operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

  • When a person is allowed to remain out of custody following conviction for a crime, either instead of incarceration or following a period of incarceration, with certain limits on their freedom and conditions such as continued monitoring by the state, required employment, limits on freedom of movement, and periodic drug tests. Learn more on the Prison Policy Initiative website.

  • Public employees who provide legal representation to those who have been charged with a crime but cannot afford to hire their own lawyer.

  • A pattern of reincarceration following a person’s release from jail or prison after finishing a sentence. Read more on recidivism here.

  • The process of returning home after a period of incarceration.

  • A law enforcement division often responsible for the operation of county jails.

  • A hearing where a judge determines the punishment or term of incarceration that a person convicted of a crime will receive.

  • Some factors or circumstances can lead to increased punishment (e.g, gun, gang, elderly victim). These enhancements are applied on top of the basic punishment for the underlying law violation. Learn more about Sentencing Enhancements in California.

  • Courts that focus on specific types of criminal cases or populations, such as drug courts, mental health courts, and veterans' courts.