what is the official name for a lawyer who defends the victim

A defense lawyer is an attorney who represents an accused party in legal matters, including in a court of law. The accused party is known as the defendant. Many defense attorneys start out as prosecutors for the state. The prosecutor is there as an agent of the state, acting in the interest of the victim, but not representing them directly.

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What do you call someone who practices law?

Victim and Witness Representation By thuyphuong Posted Tháng Ba 1, 2022 0 Comment(s) When you are the submit or target of an probe, there is no doubt you need a criminal lawyer to assist you whether the case is in a New York State or Federal Court.

Can a victim speak to a criminal defense attorney?

victim advocate - work with prosecutors and assist the victims of a crime. voir dire - The process by which judges and lawyers select a petit jury from among those eligible to serve by questioning them to determine knowledge of the facts of the case and a willingness to decide the case only on the evidence presented in court. "Voir dire" is a phrase meaning "to speak the truth."

What is the legal term for lawyer?

Public Defender: An attorney appointed and paid by the state who defends a person in a criminal case after the court finds that the person is indigent- …

What does a defense lawyer do?

District Attorney: Commonly refers to an official elected by the people of the community in his/her district to represent the interests of the general public, including crime victims, in court proceedings against people accused of committing crimes. Some jurisdictions use other terms: such as prosecutor, U.S. Attorney (a federal prosecutor), solicitor, or state’s attorney.

What is the appellant in a lawsuit?

To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal.". Both the plaintiff and the defendant can appeal, and the party doing so is called the appellant. Appeals can be made for a variety of reasons including improper procedure and asking the court to change its interpretation of the law.

What is bail in criminal law?

bail - Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.

How many judges are in a court of appeals?

Refers to court sessions with the entire membership of a court participating, rather than the usual quorum. U.S. courts of appeals usually sit in panels of three judges, but may expand to a larger number in certain cases they deem important enough to be decided by the entire court.

How many people are on a federal criminal jury?

Federal criminal juries consist of 12 persons. Federal civil juries consist of six persons. plaintiff - The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit. plea - In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges in open court.

What is an affidavit in court?

affidavit - A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it. Affidavits must be notarized or administered by an officer of the court with such authority. affirmed - Judgment by appellate courts where the decree or order is declared valid and will stand as decided in the lower court.

What is the power of an appellate court?

appellate - About appeals; an appellate court has the power to review the judgment of another lower court or tribunal. arraignment - A proceeding in which an individual who is accused of committing a crime is brought into court, told of the charges, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.

What is bench trial?

bench trial - Trial without a jury in which a judge decides the facts. In a jury trial, the jury decides the facts. Defendants will occasionally waive the right to a jury trial and choose to have a bench trial. beyond a reasonable doubt - Standard required to convict a criminal defendant of a crime. The prosecution must prove the guilt so that ...

What is the Attorney General of Texas?

The Attorney General is the constitutional, statewide elected official who acts as the attorney for the State of Texas. The Attorney General: 1 enforces state consumer protection laws; 2 collects court-ordered child support; and 3 administers the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund.

What is the state bar of Texas?

The State Bar of Texas is the agency with authority to regulate attorneys in Texas. If you have a complaint about the actions of an attorney, contact the State Bar’s Grievance Committee at (800) 932-1900. I have a complaint against a private business.

How to contact the Attorney General for child support?

For information about child support services, call the Office of the Attorney General’s Child Support Division at (800) 252-8014 or consult your phone directory for the number to your local office. Information is also available on the Office of the Attorney General Web site at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov.

Who has jurisdiction in Texas?

In Texas, the county or district attorney has original jurisdiction to pursue alleged violations of the law. These prosecutors are granted discretion in determining which cases will be prosecuted. The Attorney General has no role or oversight of their decisions.

What is the phone number for a small claims court?

The State Bar offers a Lawyer Referral Service at (800) 252-9690.

What is the PUC in Texas?

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) is the agency charged with ensuring that regulated electric and local telephone utilities observe state rules and service standards. Contact the PUC regarding your concerns at (888) 782-8477 or on the Web at www.puc.state.tx.us.

How to contact Texas Open Meetings?

For information about the Texas Public Information Act or the Texas Open Meetings Act, you may wish to call our open government hotline at (512) 478-OPEN (6736) or toll-free at (877) OPEN TEX (673-6839). In addition, our open government publications are available on our Web site at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov or upon request by calling (512) ...

What is an assistant attorney general?

Assistant Attorney General: An attorney who represents a state agency in civil cases. Attachment: A lien on property or assets to hold it to pay or satisfy any final judgment. Attorney of Record: Attorney whose name appears in the permanent records or files of a case.

What is a court trial?

Court Trial: Trial by a judge, rather than by a jury. Crime Victim Compensation Program: Awards money to crime victims and their families for medical, mental health, dental, funeral expenses, lost wages and loss of support. Cross-Examination: Questioning by a party or the attorney of an adverse party or a witness.

What is a juvenile in criminal law?

Delinquent: In civil or family cases, failing to pay an amount of money when due: In juvenile cases, a child who violated a law, local ordinance, or an order of the Superior Court.

What is adult court transfer?

Adult Court Transfer: The transfer of juveniles who are at least fourteen years old to regular criminal dockets in Geographical Area or Judicial District courts. Also involves the transfer from a Juvenile Detention Center to the State Department of Correction.

What is adult probation?

Adult Probation: A legal status, applied to people 16 years of age and older, who have been convicted of a crime and placed under the supervision of a probation officer for a period of time set by the court.

What is the Alford doctrine?

Alford Doctrine: A plea in a criminal case in which the defendant does not admit guilt, but agrees that the state has enough evidence against him or her to get a conviction. Allows the defendant to enter into a plea bargain with the state. If the judge accepts the Alford Plea, a guilty finding is made on the record.

What is an amicus curiae brief?

Amicus Curiae brief: A Latin term meaning “friend of the court.”. An Amicus Curiae brief is filed by someone who is not a party to a case but has an interest in its outcome. A person who wants to file an amicus curiae brief usually has to get the court’s permission to do so.

Who is the defendant in a case?

Defendant: a person who has been formally charged with committing a crime; the person accused of a crime. Defense Attorney: the lawyer who represents the defendant in legal proceedings. Victims are usually not required to speak with defense attorneys except in court, but may do so if they choose.

What is an alleged crime?

Alleged: said to be true, but not yet proven to be true; until the trial is over, the crime may be called the “alleged crime.”. Appeal: a request by either the defense or the prosecution that a higher court review the results of a decision on certain motions or in a completed trial.

What does "accused" mean in court?

A. Accused: formally charged but not yet tried for committing a crime; the person who has been charged may also be called the defendant. Acquittal: a judgment of court, based on the decision of either a jury or a judge, that a person accused is not guilty of the crime for which he has been tried. ADA: Assistant district attorney.

How often do you see a probation officer?

Intensive Probation: Defendants are on supervised probation, have curfews, and see probation officer at least once a week. Investigation: the gathering of evidence by law-enforcement officials (and in some cases prosecutors) for presentation to a grand jury or in a court, to prove that the accused did commit the crime.

What is adjudication in court?

Adjudication: the judicial decision that ends a criminal proceeding by a judgment of acquittal, conviction, or dismissal of the case.

What is an arrest warrant?

Arrest warrant: A written order issued by the District court or magistrate including a statement of the crime of which the person to be arrested is accused, and directing that the person be arrested and held to answer the accusation before a magistrate or other judge. Assailant: person identified as the attacker.

What is the purpose of bail?

The purpose of bail is to insure that the offender will return to court. Bailiff: a uniformed officer who keeps order in the courtroom.

What is an advocate?

Advocate – A lawyer who is a member of the Faculty of Advocates, or Scottish Bar. Also known as counsel. Different advocates act for the prosecution and the defence. Advocate depute – Experienced prosecutor who appears in the High Court.

Who keeps court records?

Clerk (of court) – The person who keeps the court papers and records. Commissioner – A lawyer, judge, sheriff or other suitable person who hears evidence at a different time or place to the actual court case. The evidence can then be used during the court case.

What is an acquittal in court?

Acquittal – A verdict of a jury or a decision of a judge that an accused is not guilty or a case is not proven. Adjournment – A break in court proceedings, perhaps for lunch, overnight or to a new date. Advocate – A lawyer who is a member of the Faculty of Advocates, or Scottish Bar. Also known as counsel.

How many jurors are there in a criminal case?

Jury – The group of men and women who listen to the evidence and make decisions about the facts in a case. In criminal cases, there are 15 jurors, with 12 in civil cases.

What is an affidavit in court?

Affidavit – A signed statement made on oath. Sometimes this can be used in court as evidence of what the witness says, without the witness having to come to court. Affirmation – A declaration or promise to tell the truth in court that does not involve taking a religious oath.

What is an appeal in criminal law?

Appeal – Challenge to conviction and/or sentence. The prosecution can only appeal against an unduly lenient sentence. Return to Top. Bail – A person must agree to certain conditions before being released from custody by a court, for instance, by promising not to commit any more crimes or interfere with witnesses.

What is the charge of a jury?

Charge (to the jury) – The judge’s legal direction to a jury on matters of law and evidence before it decides on the verdict. Citation – The form or letter that tells a witness or juror where and when to go to court. Clerk (of court) – The person who keeps the court papers and records.

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