Definitions to Some Common Legal Terms Used by a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you watch crime dramas on television, you will hear many different legal terms used where you see an actor portraying an attorney, negotiate whether their client should be tried for a misdemeanor or a felony. In another episode, police officers consider if they have enough evidence to ask a judge for a warrant to arrest a suspect. The shows depict events that can happen in real life, yet it’s not. If you or a loved one is the recipient of a restraining order, do you know what that means?
Understanding some basic legal terminology benefits you if you need a criminal defense attorney in the future. By familiarizing yourself with the different terms used, you are better equipped to ask your lawyer questions. You may not be able to defend yourself in court, but you will know what all the parties are referring to, putting you in a better position and feeling more confident.
6 Common Criminal Legal Terms Defined
Here are six standard legal terms defined:
- Arrest Warrant: When the police have probable cause to take a suspect into custody, they will request an arrest warrant from the judge or magistrate. The purpose of the warrant is to protect you from an unlawful arrest as protected by the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment. While having a warrant is preferred, it’s not required to make a lawful arrest.
- Felony: For those offenses that are punishable under criminal law, the term felony is used. The federal classification includes Class A-E and range from a life sentence to less than five years of imprisonment. States classify felonies differently based on the seriousness of the crime and the punishment.
- Misdemeanor: On the other side of the spectrum from felonies are crimes punishable by less than 12 months of imprisonment. Common punishments include community service, probation, fines, and jail time. Misdemeanors are also classified via letters and are based on the seriousness of the crime.
- Disorderly Conduct: These are actions that interfere with public peace, including being drunk in public, loitering, fighting, and damaging public or private property. This behavior causes others to become annoyed, offended, physically injured, or inconvenienced.
- Restraining Order: Often used in domestic violence situations, a restraining order indicates to one party that they are not to approach another party. Violation of the order can lead to criminal charges for the person served with the restraining order.
- Injunction: This court order requires a person to stop doing a specific action. Injunctions are generally used in exceptional cases. Sometimes, they are issued by judges in the early stages of a lawsuit to stop a defendant from continuing harmful actions.
Hire an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Bossier City
It’s one thing to understand a few legal terms but when it comes to understanding how they apply in a Bossier City court, you need a qualified criminal defense attorney like David L. White. He gives you the best possible representation and fights for your rights. Choose David and his team when you need help navigating the confusing criminal justice system. Call us today and get your peace of mind back.
Contact your competent criminal defense attorney in Bossier City, Louisiana, to set up your initial consultation. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
