New York City Criminal Court NYC Criminal Court Glossary

The power to hear and determine a case.

A fee that is imposed upon a defendant when they have been convicted of an offense. It is separate and distinct from any fine which the court may have imposed.

A specific type of offense for which a person may be sentenced to more than 15 days but not more than one year in jail.

A request made, by one of the parties to a criminal action, seeking some sort of relief.

To attest or acknowledge.

Conduct for which a person may be sentenced to a fine or jail. This is a very broad term and includes felonies, misdemeanors, violations and infractions.

A court order setting forth conditions of behavior which must be complied with by one of the parties in a criminal action. Usually the complainant requests the order and the defendant must abide by the conditions set forth therein.

A violation or traffic infraction.

An agreement between the defendant, a judge, and a prosecutor in which the defendant admits guilt, usually in exchange for a promise that a particular sentence will be imposed.

When defendant admits to having committed a charged offense.

A lawyer who represents the government in criminal cases (also known as the Assistant District Attorney or A.D.A., the People, or the prosecution).

To be released from custody without bail while a case is pending. This is often referred to as parole.

A punishment prescribed by law and imposed by a judge following a conviction.

An appearance ticket requiring a defendant to appear before the court for arraignment on an underlying accusatory instrument.

To speak under oath.

A violation of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law that has not been classified a misdemeanor or felony. It is considered a petty offense.

A court proceeding during which a judge or jury decides whether a person is guilty or not guilty of the charges against him or her.

An offense for which a person may be sentenced to no more than 15 days in jail.