Pretrial Activities

Bail

A payment of money or property given to court in order to be released from police custody.

Alternatives of Bail

Different options given instead of Bail. Ex. written promise to appear in court on the future

First Appearance

It is when the defendant is first brought to court where bail is determined and if the defendant has no attorney one will be appointed.

Pretrial Release

It is when the defendant is released from police custody before the trial under the promise that the defendant would show up at trials.

Grand Jury

Private citizens that listen to the evidence that is presented and they then determine indictment.

Plea Bargaining

The process that someone takes in order to escape harsher punishment and cost. They plea to committing a different crime in order to get out of lesser charges.

Preliminary Hearing

The trial before trial. It is to determine if there was a crime committed, if the crime was in the area of their jurisdiction, and if there is reasonable believe that the defendant committed the crime. It also determines if there is enough evidence.