CourtWatch glossary
Look up the words and phrases you hear in court. Terms are pulled from the actual hearings we watch and are updated daily. This glossary is meant to provide context and should not be considered to be legal advice.
432 published terms
Bond and release
Short version: In Michigan, a 10% bond allows a person to deposit 10% of the set bail amount with the court to secure release subject to the bond's conditions.
While watching: In plain English: This refers to a court deposit equal to 10% of the bail amount, not necessarily a bondsman's fee. The person can still have release conditions and can face consequences for missing court.
Alternative resolution
Short version: In Michigan, '7411' is a statutory deferral that can let an eligible first-time drug-possession defendant avoid a public conviction after completing court requirements.
While watching: In plain English: The court may place an eligible person in a drug-case deferral instead of entering a public conviction right away. Listen for the eligibility finding, the conditions, and what happens if those conditions are not completed.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: In Michigan corrections law, absconding means intentionally failing to report to a supervising agent and to tell that agent where you are.
While watching: In plain English: The court or supervision agency is saying the person stopped checking in and could not be located through the required reporting process; it is a supervision issue, not automatically a new criminal conviction.
Alternative resolution
Short version: A specialty court that combines close supervision, treatment or services, and regular review hearings for eligible participants.
While watching: In plain English: This is a court track with frequent check-ins and structured services, not simply a regular docket with a different name. Listen for eligibility, required treatment, incentives, sanctions, and graduation requirements.
Court procedure
Short version: A verdict or finding that the prosecution did not prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
While watching: In plain English: The person has been found not guilty of that charge. An acquittal is different from a dismissal because it follows a decision on the merits.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: A Louisiana law that provides parole-consideration eligibility for certain people who were under 18 when they committed an offense and meet statutory requirements.
While watching: In plain English: Act 99 can make some juvenile offenders eligible to be considered for parole after a qualifying period; it does not guarantee release.
Court procedure
Short version: Postponement or pausing of a court event.
While watching: In plain English: Postponement or pausing of a court event. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Alternative resolution
Short version: Disposition where formal adjudication is withheld while conditions are imposed.
While watching: In plain English: Disposition where formal adjudication is withheld while conditions are imposed. While watching, this usually matters because it can give the person a path to resolve the case through treatment, supervision, or conditions instead of the usual conviction-and-sentence track.
Traffic and driving
Short version: A Florida department-approved driving course that can be required before driving privileges are reinstated after specified suspensions or revocations.
While watching: In plain English: This is a structured driving-safety course. Its length, deadline, and role in a particular case come from the applicable license status or court order.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: In Texas, this is a court finding that a deadly weapon was used or exhibited during a felony offense or immediate flight, or that a party knew one would be used or exhibited.
While watching: In plain English: This is a sentencing-related court finding, not a separate offense. Listen for the judge's stated basis and the fact that the finding is entered in the judgment.
Violence
Short version: In Texas, this is a finding entered in a judgment when the court determines that an offense involved family violence as defined by state law.
While watching: In plain English: This is a formal court finding about the offense, not simply a description used during the hearing. Listen for the judge saying it will be entered in the judgment.
Violence
Short version: More serious assault, often involving a weapon, serious injury, or protected victim.
While watching: In plain English: More serious assault, often involving a weapon, serious injury, or protected victim. While watching, this usually affects bond, no-contact orders, safety planning, plea negotiations, and sentencing.
Drug offenses
Short version: A possession offense for specified Schedule I or II controlled substances, with the exact amount affecting the charge level.
While watching: In plain English: "Aggravated" here identifies a statutory drug category, and the alleged drug and amount can change the charge level; a charge is not a finding of guilt.
Theft and property
Short version: Robbery with aggravating factors such as a weapon or serious threat.
While watching: In plain English: Robbery with aggravating factors such as a weapon or serious threat. While watching, this usually involves allegations about taking, keeping, damaging, or misusing property.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: In Texas, this is a statutory sexual-offense charge involving prohibited sexual conduct with a child under the circumstances listed in the aggravated-sexual-assault law.
While watching: In plain English: It is a very serious allegation involving a child; the court may use special procedures, but the charge itself is not proof that the allegation occurred.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: A Wisconsin assessment of alcohol or other drug use and related treatment needs, often ordered as a court condition.
While watching: In plain English: The court is requiring an evaluation of substance-use needs, which can lead to treatment or other recommended conditions.
Court procedure
Short version: A plea where a defendant maintains innocence but accepts conviction because the evidence could support guilt.
While watching: In plain English: A plea where a defendant maintains innocence but accepts conviction because the evidence could support guilt. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Evidence and motions
Short version: A claim that a person was somewhere else when an alleged crime happened and therefore could not have committed it.
While watching: In plain English: A claim that a person was somewhere else when an alleged crime happened and therefore could not have committed it. While watching, an alibi is usually about whether that claim can be supported by witnesses, records, video, phone data, or other evidence.
Court procedure
Short version: In Michigan, this is a filing asking the Court of Appeals to grant review when an appeal is not proceeding by right.
While watching: In plain English: Instead of an automatic appeal, the party asks the appellate court to take the case, so the governing deadline and eligibility rules matter.
Lawyers and rights
Short version: A lawyer assigned by the court for a person who cannot afford to hire counsel.
While watching: In plain English: The court is ensuring the person has a defense lawyer because they qualify financially. The appointment does not indicate whether the charge is true or how the case will end.
Alternative resolution
Short version: A process where a neutral arbitrator hears both sides and makes a decision, often outside a traditional trial.
While watching: In plain English: A process where a neutral arbitrator hears both sides and makes a decision, often outside a traditional trial. While watching, arbitration is usually more common in civil disputes than criminal cases. Unlike a mediator, an arbitrator may have authority to decide the outcome, depending on the agreement or court order.
Court procedure
Short version: Court appearance where the charge is formally addressed and the defendant is asked for a plea.
While watching: In plain English: Court appearance where the charge is formally addressed and the defendant is asked for a plea. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Sentencing and money
Short version: An arrearage is the unpaid, overdue amount that remains under a support order.
While watching: In plain English: It is the past-due balance, not the amount newly due this month; the court may discuss how it will be paid or enforced.
Warrants and custody
Short version: Warrant authorizing law enforcement to arrest a person.
While watching: In plain English: Warrant authorizing law enforcement to arrest a person. While watching, this usually means the court is dealing with arrest authority, missed court, holds, or whether someone is going into custody.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: A family of residential substance-use-disorder treatment levels identified by ASAM Level 3 and numbered sublevels such as 3.1 and 3.5.
While watching: In plain English: The number identifies a particular residential level of addiction care; listen for the exact sublevel, clinical recommendations, program length, and what step-down care follows.
Violence
Short version: Threat, attempt, or act causing fear or injury, depending on state law.
While watching: In plain English: Threat, attempt, or act causing fear or injury, depending on state law. While watching, this usually affects bond, no-contact orders, safety planning, plea negotiations, and sentencing.
Violence
Short version: A felony assault involving intentional interference with another person's breathing or blood circulation by pressure on the throat or neck or by blocking the nose or mouth.
While watching: In plain English: This is a specific felony assault charge with a statutory definition; the charge itself is an allegation until the court enters a finding or conviction.
Violence
Short version: A Texas family-violence assault allegation involving the statutory circumstance of impeding normal breathing or blood circulation.
While watching: In plain English: It is a specific family-violence assault allegation, not a court finding, and the legal consequence depends on the statutory facts and the case posture.
Violence
Short version: An assault allegation involving a law enforcement officer engaged in official duties can be reclassified from ordinary assault.
While watching: In plain English: The alleged victim's protected role can change the charge level; listen for the conduct alleged, the officer's official duties, and the court's ultimate disposition.
Violence
Short version: In Texas, assault can be elevated when bodily injury is alleged against a known public servant who is lawfully performing an official duty, or in retaliation for that duty.
While watching: In plain English: The alleged victim's official role is what makes this a distinct, more serious assault theory; a charge is not a finding of guilt.
Traffic and driving
Short version: Ohio's assured-clear-distance rule requires a driver to use a speed that allows stopping within the distance ahead that can be seen clearly.
While watching: In plain English: The issue is whether the driver could stop safely for what was ahead, not necessarily whether they exceeded a posted speed limit.
Traffic and driving
Short version: A Florida offense involving knowingly putting a license plate or validation sticker on a vehicle when it was not assigned or lawfully transferred to that vehicle.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation is that a plate or sticker was knowingly used on the wrong vehicle; listen for whether the plate was assigned or legally transferred to that vehicle.
Homicide
Short version: Attempt to unlawfully kill another person.
While watching: In plain English: Attempt to unlawfully kill another person. While watching, this is a serious charge category. The court may be focused on bond, probable cause, trial scheduling, plea discussions, or sentencing.
Lawyers and rights
Short version: Private legal communication between lawyer and client.
While watching: In plain English: Private legal communication between lawyer and client. While watching, this usually affects whether the person understands their rights, has counsel, or is choosing to speak or act without a lawyer.
Evidence and motions
Short version: A Fourth Amendment rule that can allow a warrantless vehicle search when police have probable cause to believe the vehicle contains evidence or contraband.
While watching: In plain English: This argument concerns whether police could search a vehicle without first getting a warrant; it does not itself decide whether anyone is guilty.
Bond and release
Short version: The legal process or amount used to secure release from custody before a case is resolved; courts sometimes use 'bail' and 'bond' loosely.
While watching: In plain English: The court is deciding whether the person can be released and under what conditions. The amount, payment method, and release rules can vary by jurisdiction and case.
Release conditions
Short version: This offense can apply when a person lawfully released from custody, with or without bail, intentionally or knowingly fails to appear as required.
While watching: In plain English: this is a separate charge alleging that someone did not return to court as legally required after release, not merely a scheduling mistake.
Mental health
Short version: Florida's Baker Act is the state mental-health law that includes processes for voluntary and involuntary examination and services when statutory criteria are met.
While watching: In plain English: This refers to a Florida mental-health examination process, not a criminal charge or a court finding of guilt.
Violence
Short version: Unlawful physical contact or force against another person.
While watching: In plain English: Unlawful physical contact or force against another person. While watching, this usually affects bond, no-contact orders, safety planning, plea negotiations, and sentencing.
Violence
Short version: In Florida, a battery charge involving an alleged victim who is 65 or older is reclassified to a more serious offense level.
While watching: In plain English: The alleged victim's age can change the charge level in Florida; it remains an allegation unless and until it is proven or admitted in court.
Court procedure
Short version: Trial where the judge decides the facts without a jury.
While watching: In plain English: Trial where the judge decides the facts without a jury. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Warrants and custody
Short version: Warrant issued by a judge, often after failure to appear or violation of an order.
While watching: In plain English: Warrant issued by a judge, often after failure to appear or violation of an order. While watching, this usually means the court is dealing with arrest authority, missed court, holds, or whether someone is going into custody.
Evidence standards
Short version: Highest common proof standard, used to convict in criminal cases.
While watching: In plain English: Highest common proof standard, used to convict in criminal cases. While watching, this tells you how much proof is needed for a particular decision.
Court procedure
Short version: Ruling sending a felony case from lower court to trial court after probable cause is found.
While watching: In plain English: Ruling sending a felony case from lower court to trial court after probable cause is found. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Impaired driving
Short version: A measurement of the amount of alcohol in a given volume of blood.
While watching: In plain English: A BAC number is used to describe alcohol level; listen for how it was measured and the jurisdiction's relevant legal threshold, because a number alone is not a finding of guilt.
Bond and release
Short version: Money or conditions set to manage release and ensure court appearance.
While watching: In plain English: Money or conditions set to manage release and ensure court appearance. While watching, this is usually about whether the person stays in custody, goes home, and what rules they must follow while the case is still moving.
Bond and release
Short version: A court process that can require forfeiture of posted bond money after a failure to appear or another legally sufficient bond default.
While watching: In plain English: The money posted to secure release may be at risk when the person misses court or fails a bond obligation. The notice and forfeiture rules vary by jurisdiction.
Bond and release
Short version: Request or ruling to lower the required bond.
While watching: In plain English: Request or ruling to lower the required bond. While watching, this is usually about whether the person stays in custody, goes home, and what rules they must follow while the case is still moving.
Bond and release
Short version: Court cancels release on bond, often because of a new arrest or violation.
While watching: In plain English: Court cancels release on bond, often because of a new arrest or violation. While watching, this is usually about whether the person stays in custody, goes home, and what rules they must follow while the case is still moving.
Evidence standards
Short version: Level of proof a party must meet to win an issue.
While watching: In plain English: Level of proof a party must meet to win an issue. While watching, this tells you how much proof is needed for a particular decision.
Theft and property
Short version: Unlawful entry into a building, vehicle, or structure with criminal intent.
While watching: In plain English: Unlawful entry into a building, vehicle, or structure with criminal intent. While watching, this usually involves allegations about taking, keeping, damaging, or misusing property.
Traffic and driving
Short version: A Florida restricted driving privilege that may allow driving only for qualifying business or employment purposes after a suspension, cancellation, or revocation.
While watching: In plain English: The person does not have normal driving privileges; a Florida hearing officer may allow limited driving for work or business if the legal requirements are met.
Drug offenses
Short version: Cannabis-related substance; legal status and charge names vary by state.
While watching: In plain English: Cannabis-related substance; legal status and charge names vary by state. While watching, this usually comes up as the charge, the reason for supervision, or the conduct the court is weighing at bond, plea, or sentencing.
Warrants and custody
Short version: A court order or warrant to take a person into custody.
While watching: In plain English: A court order or warrant to take a person into custody. While watching, this usually means the court is dealing with arrest authority, missed court, holds, or whether someone is going into custody.
Homicide
Short version: Most serious murder category in some states, potentially death-penalty eligible.
While watching: In plain English: Most serious murder category in some states, potentially death-penalty eligible. While watching, this is a serious charge category. The court may be focused on bond, probable cause, trial scheduling, plea discussions, or sentencing.
Traffic and driving
Short version: In Michigan, careless driving is a civil traffic infraction for operating a vehicle carelessly or negligently in a way likely to endanger a person or property, without the more serious recklessness standard.
While watching: In plain English: This is a noncriminal traffic allegation that the driving created a likely danger; listen for whether the court finds responsibility, not guilt.
Theft and property
Short version: A Texas theft offense involving commercial freight in transit, including specified dealings with stolen cargo or a driver's intentional failure to deliver cargo.
While watching: In plain English: This concerns commercial-shipment goods rather than ordinary property theft; listen for what conduct is alleged and the case's procedural status.
Theft and property
Short version: Carjacking is taking or trying to take a motor vehicle through force, threats, or putting a person with lawful possession of it in fear.
While watching: In plain English: This is not just vehicle theft; viewers should listen for an allegation that force, a threat, or fear was used while someone took or tried to take a vehicle.
Weapons
Short version: In Texas, this is a charge for intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possessing or going with certain weapons in a location covered by Penal Code Section 46.03.
While watching: In plain English: Texas law restricts certain weapons in specified places; listen for the alleged weapon, location, and any exception or defense, because a charge is not proof of guilt.
Weapons
Short version: Offense for carrying a concealed weapon unlawfully.
While watching: In plain English: Offense for carrying a concealed weapon unlawfully. While watching, this usually raises safety concerns and can affect bond, charge severity, plea options, and sentencing.
Bond and release
Short version: Bond requiring cash payment, sometimes without a surety option.
While watching: In plain English: Bond requiring cash payment, sometimes without a surety option. While watching, this is usually about whether the person stays in custody, goes home, and what rules they must follow while the case is still moving.
Charging documents
Short version: Accusation that a person committed a specific offense.
While watching: In plain English: Accusation that a person committed a specific offense. While watching, this helps explain what the case is officially about and how the charge is being framed in court.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: Harm or unlawful treatment of a child.
While watching: In plain English: Harm or unlawful treatment of a child. While watching, remember that these words may describe allegations, charges, or convictions depending on the posture of the case. The court is often focused on bond, safety conditions, plea issues, sentencing, or supervision.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: Conduct placing a child at risk of harm.
While watching: In plain English: Conduct placing a child at risk of harm. While watching, remember that these words may describe allegations, charges, or convictions depending on the posture of the case. The court is often focused on bond, safety conditions, plea issues, sentencing, or supervision.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: Failure to provide required care or protection for a child.
While watching: In plain English: Failure to provide required care or protection for a child. While watching, remember that these words may describe allegations, charges, or convictions depending on the posture of the case. The court is often focused on bond, safety conditions, plea issues, sentencing, or supervision.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: An older, still-used legal label for material depicting child sexual abuse or exploitation; many professionals prefer the term child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
While watching: In plain English: This term may appear in a charge title or older court record. It refers to alleged material depicting sexual abuse or exploitation of minors; the label does not establish that an allegation has been proven.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: A Florida court-supervision or treatment-program name used in the archive; the transcript does not establish its official expansion, provider, or requirements.
While watching: In plain English: The court is referring to a named local program, but the acronym alone does not tell viewers what services or rules apply. Listen for the provider, enrollment terms, and completion requirements.
Charge level
Short version: Non-criminal violation usually handled with fines or responsibility findings.
While watching: In plain English: Non-criminal violation usually handled with fines or responsibility findings. While watching, this usually tells you how serious the case is and what kind of sentencing exposure may be on the table.
Sentencing and money
Short version: A court-entered money obligation that can be collected like a civil debt.
While watching: In plain English: A court-entered money obligation that can be collected like a civil debt. While watching, this usually affects what someone owes, who gets paid back, and what financial conditions the court imposes.
Parole and clemency
Short version: Relief from punishment granted by an executive authority or board process.
While watching: In plain English: Relief from punishment granted by an executive authority or board process. While watching, this usually involves release from prison, supervision after prison, or a request to reduce or forgive punishment.
Court procedure
Short version: A Michigan judge's preliminary sentencing evaluation given before a defendant decides whether to plead.
While watching: In plain English: Before the plea, the judge gives an early assessment of the sentence that appears appropriate based on the information then available. Unlike a Killebrew agreement, this comes from the judge rather than the prosecutor. If the judge later decides that a harsher sentence is necessary, the defendant generally must be given an opportunity to withdraw the plea.
Drug offenses
Short version: Controlled substance charged in possession, delivery, or trafficking cases.
While watching: In plain English: Controlled substance charged in possession, delivery, or trafficking cases. While watching, this usually comes up as the charge, the reason for supervision, or the conduct the court is weighing at bond, plea, or sentencing.
Mental health
Short version: Court-ordered placement in a treatment facility or continued supervision setting.
While watching: In plain English: Court-ordered placement in a treatment facility or continued supervision setting. While watching, this usually affects whether the case can move forward, what services may be needed, or how the court manages risk and treatment.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: A supervision sentence used in some states, similar to probation.
While watching: In plain English: A supervision sentence used in some states, similar to probation. While watching, this usually affects what punishment or supervision the person receives and what happens if they do not follow the rules.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: Unpaid work ordered as a condition of sentence or supervision.
While watching: In plain English: Unpaid work ordered as a condition of sentence or supervision. While watching, this usually tells you what the court expects the person to do outside the courtroom.
Custody and jail
Short version: An Ohio secure, residential correctional facility and program for court-referred or sentenced felony offenders.
While watching: In plain English: A CBCF is a structured residential correctional placement, not ordinary outpatient treatment and not the same thing as state prison.
Parole and clemency
Short version: Reduction of a sentence without necessarily forgiving the conviction.
While watching: In plain English: Reduction of a sentence without necessarily forgiving the conviction. While watching, this usually involves release from prison, supervision after prison, or a request to reduce or forgive punishment.
Mental health
Short version: Ability to understand the proceedings and assist counsel.
While watching: In plain English: Ability to understand the proceedings and assist counsel. While watching, this usually affects whether the case can move forward, what services may be needed, or how the court manages risk and treatment.
Charging documents
Short version: Document alleging facts and charges to start or support a case.
While watching: In plain English: Document alleging facts and charges to start or support a case. While watching, this helps explain what the case is officially about and how the charge is being framed in court.
Court procedure
Short version: Follow-up hearing to check whether court-ordered conditions are being met.
While watching: In plain English: Follow-up hearing to check whether court-ordered conditions are being met. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Sentencing and custody
Short version: Sentences that are served at the same time.
While watching: In plain English: Sentences that are served at the same time. While watching, this usually affects how jail or prison time is calculated and whether different sentences overlap or stack.
Bond and release
Short version: Release from custody subject to rules such as no contact, treatment, testing, or monitoring.
While watching: In plain English: Release from custody subject to rules such as no contact, treatment, testing, or monitoring. While watching, this is usually about whether the person stays in custody, goes home, and what rules they must follow while the case is still moving.
Lawyers and rights
Short version: A situation where a lawyer's duties or interests may interfere with loyal representation.
While watching: In plain English: A situation where a lawyer's duties or interests may interfere with loyal representation. While watching, this usually affects whether the person understands their rights, has counsel, or is choosing to speak or act without a lawyer.
Sentencing and custody
Short version: Sentences served one after another.
While watching: In plain English: Sentences served one after another. While watching, this usually affects how jail or prison time is calculated and whether different sentences overlap or stack.
Court procedure
Short version: A judgment resolving a case on terms the parties have agreed to and that the court enters after its required review.
While watching: In plain English: Instead of taking the dispute through a contested trial, the parties have agreed on terms and ask the court to make them enforceable as a judgment.
Court procedure
Short version: Postponement of a hearing or trial to a later date.
While watching: In plain English: Postponement of a hearing or trial to a later date. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: A Texas offense alleged when an adult commits two or more qualifying sexual-abuse acts over at least 30 days against a child younger than 14 or a disabled individual.
While watching: In plain English: This is a specific Texas charge with duration, repeated-act, age, and status elements; hearing the charge does not establish that it has been proven.
Custody and jail
Short version: Item prohibited by law or jail/prison rules.
While watching: In plain English: Item prohibited by law or jail/prison rules. While watching, this usually affects where someone is being held, where they may be sent, or how custody time is being handled.
Drug offenses
Short version: Drug regulated by law, such as methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, or certain prescriptions.
While watching: In plain English: Drug regulated by law, such as methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, or certain prescriptions. While watching, this usually comes up as the charge, the reason for supervision, or the conduct the court is weighing at bond, plea, or sentencing.
Court procedure
Short version: Formal finding or entry of guilt.
While watching: In plain English: Formal finding or entry of guilt. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Drug offenses
Short version: An Ohio offense covering specified acts of administering, furnishing, or inducing another person to use a controlled substance under circumstances listed in the statute.
While watching: In plain English: This is a distinct Ohio charge about causing or helping another person use drugs in prohibited circumstances. Listen for the alleged conduct, drug, age-related facts, and injury allegations rather than assuming the label means ordinary possession.
Charging documents
Short version: A numbered charge within a case.
While watching: In plain English: A numbered charge within a case. While watching, this helps explain what the case is officially about and how the charge is being framed in court.
Fraud and financial
Short version: An offense involving specified deceptive acts involving securities or access devices, such as making, altering, or using them with intent to defraud.
While watching: In plain English: This charge concerns fraudulent counterfeit or altered financial instruments or access devices; the allegations and the value involved can affect the offense level.
Court procedure
Short version: Required warnings a Texas court gives before accepting a guilty or no-contest plea, including consequences of the plea and limits on a plea agreement.
While watching: In plain English: These are the warnings the judge gives or has the person sign before a plea; listen for the punishment range, immigration consequences, appeal limits, and whether the judge will follow a plea deal.
Sentencing and money
Short version: Administrative fees assessed as part of a case.
While watching: In plain English: Administrative fees assessed as part of a case. While watching, this usually affects what someone owes, who gets paid back, and what financial conditions the court imposes.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: A local court program that may let a person complete supervised work to satisfy some ordered jail time, subject to that court's rules.
While watching: In plain English: The judge may be allowing supervised work in place of serving some jail days; listen for the number of days, fees, eligibility, and the local program's requirements.
Fraud and financial
Short version: Unauthorized or fraudulent use of a credit or debit card.
While watching: In plain English: Unauthorized or fraudulent use of a credit or debit card. While watching, this usually points to allegations involving money, cards, accounts, identity information, or trust.
Offense theories
Short version: An inchoate offense based on conduct undertaken with the required intent that would have constituted another offense if it had succeeded.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation is that the person took legally sufficient steps toward an offense even though the completed offense was not established. Listen for the target offense, the required intent, and the jurisdiction's penalty rule.
Property and public order
Short version: A property-damage offense, often called criminal damaging or criminal mischief, whose exact elements and penalties vary by jurisdiction.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation concerns damaging, destroying, or interfering with someone else's property. Listen for the kind of property, the alleged intent, and the jurisdiction's charge label.
Sentencing and money
Short version: In Ohio, a court may order criminal forfeiture of a vehicle involved in an OVI case when the statute's conditions are met.
While watching: In plain English: The vehicle can become part of the sentence; listen for the statutory basis and ownership details, because not every impaired-driving case permits forfeiture.
Property and public order
Short version: Damaging or interfering with property, term varies by state.
While watching: In plain English: Damaging or interfering with property, term varies by state. While watching, this usually involves damage, disorder, trespass, public safety, or courtroom concerns about future behavior.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: State-law sexual offense category, commonly abbreviated CSC.
While watching: In plain English: State-law sexual offense category, commonly abbreviated CSC. While watching, remember that these words may describe allegations, charges, or convictions depending on the posture of the case. The court is often focused on bond, safety conditions, plea issues, sentencing, or supervision.
Offense theories
Short version: In Florida, an offense based on commanding, encouraging, hiring, or requesting another person to commit a specific crime or attempt one.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation concerns asking or encouraging someone else to carry out a particular crime; it does not require that the target crime was completed.
Violence
Short version: Criminally negligent homicide is causing another person's death through criminal negligence.
While watching: In plain English: this charge alleges that seriously careless conduct caused someone's death; it remains an allegation unless and until the court reaches a finding.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: An abbreviation for child sexual abuse material: images or other material depicting the sexual abuse or exploitation of minors.
While watching: In plain English: CSAM is the preferred plain-language term for material depicting sexual abuse or exploitation of minors. A charge or allegation still must be proved in court.
Traffic and driving
Short version: A Florida traffic offense for driving 50 mph or more above the speed limit, or driving 100 mph or more in a manner that threatens safety or interferes with another vehicle.
While watching: In plain English: This is a separate Florida criminal-speeding charge, not an ordinary speeding ticket; listen for the alleged speed and any prior conviction because those facts affect the potential consequences.
Violence
Short version: A Texas offense that can involve recklessly placing someone in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or knowingly firing a weapon in circumstances set by statute.
While watching: In plain English: The charge alone does not establish what happened; listen for whether the allegation concerns dangerous conduct generally or the firearm-specific provision.
Theft and property
Short version: A Florida charge alleging that a person trafficked or attempted to traffic in property they knew or should have known was stolen.
While watching: In plain English: This is different from simply taking property; it focuses on allegedly selling, transferring, or otherwise trafficking property known or believed to be stolen.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: Decision Points is a cognitive-behavioral intervention that justice-system agencies can use to help participants practice choices and skills connected to supervision.
While watching: In plain English: The court is requiring a structured behavior-change program; listen for attendance and completion as conditions of supervision.
Court procedure
Short version: A civil judgment a court may enter when a properly served defendant does not answer or otherwise appear.
While watching: In plain English: The court may rule without hearing the absent side's defense, but service and other procedural requirements must still be met.
Court roles
Short version: Person accused in a criminal case or sued in a civil case.
While watching: In plain English: Person accused in a criminal case or sued in a civil case. While watching, this helps you track who is speaking, what their job is, and why their position matters in the hearing.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: A probationary disposition that can avoid or delay conviction if conditions are met.
While watching: In plain English: A probationary disposition that can avoid or delay conviction if conditions are met. While watching, this usually affects what punishment or supervision the person receives and what happens if they do not follow the rules.
Alternative resolution
Short version: A Wisconsin agreement that can postpone prosecution while a person completes specified conditions, with the terms and legal effect governed by the agreement and applicable law.
While watching: In plain English: The case may be paused while the person completes required conditions, but it is not the same as a conviction being erased and the exact outcome depends on the agreement.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: A sentencing path where final judgment or sentence may be delayed while conditions are completed.
While watching: In plain English: A sentencing path where final judgment or sentence may be delayed while conditions are completed. While watching, this usually affects what punishment or supervision the person receives and what happens if they do not follow the rules.
Drug offenses
Short version: Drug charge involving delivery, intent to deliver, or making a controlled substance.
While watching: In plain English: Drug charge involving delivery, intent to deliver, or making a controlled substance. While watching, this usually comes up as the charge, the reason for supervision, or the conduct the court is weighing at bond, plea, or sentencing.
Court procedure
Short version: A Michigan civil-infraction response contesting responsibility and leading to an informal or formal hearing rather than a criminal guilty or not-guilty plea.
While watching: In plain English: The person is contesting a civil ticket, such as speeding; listen for whether the court sets an informal hearing or a formal hearing and do not confuse the response with a criminal not-guilty plea.
Warrants and custody
Short version: Notice or hold asking custody officials to keep a person for another agency or case.
While watching: In plain English: Notice or hold asking custody officials to keep a person for another agency or case. While watching, this usually means the court is dealing with arrest authority, missed court, holds, or whether someone is going into custody.
Weapons
Short version: A Michigan felony that can involve intentionally firing a firearm at a dwelling or potentially occupied structure, or inside one with reckless disregard for safety.
While watching: In plain English: The exact circumstances matter, but the charge concerns firing a gun at or inside a residence or potentially occupied structure.
Evidence and motions
Short version: Exchange of evidence and case information between parties before trial.
While watching: In plain English: Exchange of evidence and case information between parties before trial. While watching, this is usually about what information the court can consider, what the lawyers are asking the judge to do, or whether evidence can be used.
Court procedure
Short version: Ending a charge or case without conviction on that charge.
While watching: In plain English: Ending a charge or case without conviction on that charge. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Court procedure
Short version: With prejudice generally ends the matter permanently; without prejudice generally leaves open the possibility that it can be filed again.
While watching: In plain English: A dismissal with prejudice generally prevents the same case or charge from being brought again. A dismissal without prejudice closes the current case but may allow it to be refiled later. While watching, that final phrase matters. Refiling can still be limited by deadlines, double-jeopardy rules, and other law.
Property and public order
Short version: Broad public-order offense involving disruptive behavior.
While watching: In plain English: Broad public-order offense involving disruptive behavior. While watching, this usually involves damage, disorder, trespass, public safety, or courtroom concerns about future behavior.
Property and public order
Short version: An offense involving conduct that disrupts public order or the peace of other people; its exact definition varies by jurisdiction.
While watching: In plain English: This usually refers to disruptive public behavior, such as fighting, excessive noise, or conduct that alarms or disturbs others. The exact conduct and possible penalty depend on the state or local ordinance. While watching, it may appear as the original charge or as a reduced charge in a plea agreement.
Alternative resolution
Short version: A program that can resolve or avoid conviction if conditions are completed.
While watching: In plain English: A program that can resolve or avoid conviction if conditions are completed. While watching, this usually matters because it can give the person a path to resolve the case through treatment, supervision, or conditions instead of the usual conviction-and-sentence track.
Violence
Short version: Violence or threats involving intimate partners, family, or household relationships.
While watching: In plain English: Violence or threats involving intimate partners, family, or household relationships. While watching, this usually affects bond, no-contact orders, safety planning, plea negotiations, and sentencing.
Violence
Short version: In Michigan, an assault or battery against a qualifying intimate or household relation, or a known pregnant person, can become a felony after two or more qualifying prior convictions.
While watching: In plain English: The third-offense label refers to prior qualifying convictions and changes the charge's level; it remains an allegation unless a court accepts a plea or finds guilt.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: An Ohio-certified screening, education, and referral program for certain alcohol- or drug-related operating cases that may sometimes substitute for qualifying jail time.
While watching: In plain English: The court may allow a certified impaired-driving program instead of specified jail days in an eligible case; listen for the program length, completion deadline, and whether the jail days are suspended or vacated.
Impaired driving
Short version: In Texas, this is a DWI allegation enhanced by two or more prior qualifying intoxication-related convictions.
While watching: In plain English: The phrase signals that the State is alleging a repeat DWI history, which can change the charge level and possible punishment; the prior convictions and current charge still must be established in court.
Impaired driving
Short version: A Texas DWI offense alleged when an intoxicated person operates a motor vehicle in a public place with a passenger younger than 15.
While watching: In plain English: This is a specific impaired-driving allegation involving a child passenger, not a finding that the allegation was proven; listen for the case posture and the passenger-age element.
Traffic and driving
Short version: Driving while a person's driver license is suspended or revoked.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation is that the person drove without current driving privileges. The reason for the suspension or revocation, notice, and any permitted exceptions can matter.
Alternative resolution
Short version: Specialized docket focused on treatment and supervision for substance-related cases.
While watching: In plain English: Specialized docket focused on treatment and supervision for substance-related cases. While watching, this usually matters because it can give the person a path to resolve the case through treatment, supervision, or conditions instead of the usual conviction-and-sentence track.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: A Texas court-ordered educational program for drug offenses provided by a licensed program provider.
While watching: In plain English: This is a court-ordered drug-offense education course; listen for the deadline, provider, fees, and proof that it was completed because it can be a supervision condition.
Drug offenses
Short version: Items used to consume, package, or process drugs.
While watching: In plain English: Items used to consume, package, or process drugs. While watching, this usually comes up as the charge, the reason for supervision, or the conduct the court is weighing at bond, plea, or sentencing.
Release conditions
Short version: Wearable patch used to test for drug use over time.
While watching: In plain English: Wearable patch used to test for drug use over time. While watching, these are the rules someone must follow if the court allows them to stay out of custody.
Drug offenses
Short version: Serious drug offense involving distribution, sale, transportation, or large quantities.
While watching: In plain English: Serious drug offense involving distribution, sale, transportation, or large quantities. While watching, this usually comes up as the charge, the reason for supervision, or the conduct the court is weighing at bond, plea, or sentencing.
Impaired driving
Short version: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both; terminology varies by state.
While watching: In plain English: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both; terminology varies by state. While watching, this usually involves alcohol or drug-related driving allegations and often brings up testing, treatment, license issues, and repeat-offense concerns.
Impaired driving
Short version: Impaired-driving offense label used in many states.
While watching: In plain English: Impaired-driving offense label used in many states. While watching, this usually involves alcohol or drug-related driving allegations and often brings up testing, treatment, license issues, and repeat-offense concerns.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: A DWI Intervention Program is a regulated court-ordered education course that may be required after a DWI offense.
While watching: In plain English: The court is ordering a specific Texas DWI course as a condition. It is a program requirement, not a new charge or a finding that the person relapsed.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: A court-approved end to probation before the originally scheduled completion date when statutory and case-specific requirements are met.
While watching: In plain English: Finishing programs and avoiding violations can make someone eligible to ask for probation to end early, but it is not automatic and any unpaid obligations can still matter.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: Wisconsin's Earned Release Program is a Department of Corrections program through which eligible participants can earn an earlier release date by completing required programming.
While watching: In plain English: This is not automatic time off; eligible participants must complete the program requirements, and the program is separate from simply being released on work release or probation.
Release conditions
Short version: Remote monitoring such as GPS, alcohol, or home-confinement equipment.
While watching: In plain English: Remote monitoring such as GPS, alcohol, or home-confinement equipment. While watching, these are the rules someone must follow if the court allows them to stay out of custody.
Fraud and financial
Short version: Fraudulent taking of property by someone entrusted with it.
While watching: In plain English: Fraudulent taking of property by someone entrusted with it. While watching, this usually points to allegations involving money, cards, accounts, identity information, or trust.
Property and public order
Short version: In Texas, this charge alleges that a person, intending to participate in a combination or criminal street gang, committed or conspired to commit a listed offense.
While watching: In plain English: This is not simply an accusation that several people were involved; the State must prove the statutory organized-crime connection as well as the underlying alleged conduct.
Enhancements
Short version: Factor that increases punishment range or charge severity.
While watching: In plain English: Factor that increases punishment range or charge severity. While watching, this usually matters because prior history or special allegations can raise the stakes of a case.
Custody and jail
Short version: An offense for an unauthorized departure from custody or failure to return to custody in circumstances covered by the escape statute.
While watching: In plain English: In this context, escape means leaving or failing to return to custody, not simply violating ordinary probation. The custody facts can change the charge level.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: An alcohol-monitoring test, usually using urine, that looks for ethyl glucuronide, a direct metabolite of alcohol.
While watching: In plain English: This test looks for evidence of recent alcohol exposure after alcohol itself may no longer be measurable; listen for the testing schedule and remember that results require careful interpretation.
Property and public order
Short version: A charge alleging that a person intentionally fled from or otherwise avoided a lawful arrest or detention.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation is that the person knowingly tried to get away from police or detention. The exact conduct and charge level can differ by jurisdiction and whether a vehicle was involved.
Evidence and motions
Short version: Information, testimony, records, or objects offered to prove facts.
While watching: In plain English: Information, testimony, records, or objects offered to prove facts. While watching, this is usually about what information the court can consider, what the lawyers are asking the judge to do, or whether evidence can be used.
Court procedure
Short version: A nonpublic portion of a Louisiana Board of Pardons and Committee on Parole hearing that state law permits for certain testimony, including requested victim testimony.
While watching: In plain English: The public hearing may pause for a legally confidential discussion or testimony; an executive session is a procedure, not a decision on whether parole will be granted.
Evidence and motions
Short version: Item or document offered as evidence in court.
While watching: In plain English: Item or document offered as evidence in court. While watching, this is usually about what information the court can consider, what the lawyers are asking the judge to do, or whether evidence can be used.
Traffic and driving
Short version: Vehicle registration plate or tag is expired.
While watching: In plain English: Vehicle registration plate or tag is expired. While watching, this usually involves driving conduct, licensing, crashes, or traffic-related public safety concerns.
Records and relief
Short version: A process to seal, clear, or limit access to a criminal record, depending on jurisdiction.
While watching: In plain English: A process to seal, clear, or limit access to a criminal record, depending on jurisdiction. While watching, this usually comes up when someone is asking the court to limit the effect of an old case or clean up a record under state law.
Fraud and financial
Short version: Extortion includes maliciously making certain threats to obtain money or another pecuniary advantage, or to compel someone to act or refrain from acting against their will.
While watching: In plain English: A threat can become extortion when it is allegedly used to force money, an advantage, or a decision. The prosecution still must prove the statutory elements.
Warrants and custody
Short version: Process for transferring a fugitive from one jurisdiction to another.
While watching: In plain English: Process for transferring a fugitive from one jurisdiction to another. While watching, this usually means the court is dealing with arrest authority, missed court, holds, or whether someone is going into custody.
Court procedure
Short version: Facts placed on the record that support the legal elements of the offense involved in a plea.
While watching: In plain English: Before accepting a plea, the court needs facts showing that the defendant's conduct fits the charged offense. The judge may ask the defendant what happened, or may use reports or other information when permitted, including with some no-contest pleas. If the answers contradict an element of the offense, the judge may ask more questions or refuse to accept the plea.
Warrants and custody
Short version: Missing a required court date.
While watching: In plain English: Missing a required court date. While watching, this usually means the court is dealing with arrest authority, missed court, holds, or whether someone is going into custody.
Property and public order
Short version: Offense or violation for not obeying a lawful order, signal, or court requirement.
While watching: In plain English: Offense or violation for not obeying a lawful order, signal, or court requirement. While watching, this usually involves damage, disorder, trespass, public safety, or courtroom concerns about future behavior.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: In Florida, an allegation that a required vehicle-information change was not reported can be a third-degree felony under F.S. 943.0435.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation is that a required vehicle detail, such as a new vehicle or tag number, was not updated. Listen for whether the court is discussing an allegation, a plea, or a finding.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: In Florida, failing to provide required electronic mail addresses or Internet identifiers can be a third-degree felony under F.S. 943.0435.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation is that required online contact or account information was not reported. Listen for whether the court is discussing an allegation, a plea, or a finding.
Theft and property
Short version: A Florida charge that can apply when a person knowingly abandons or refuses to return hired or leased property as agreed after the rental period ends.
While watching: In plain English: The issue is an alleged failure to return rented property under the agreement; the charge is not the same as a civil payment dispute and is not proven merely because it is alleged.
Traffic and driving
Short version: This offense applies when a driver who knows of a covered accident or collision does not immediately stop, remain at the scene, and provide required information.
While watching: In plain English: A charge under this label alleges leaving or not properly staying at a crash scene. Listen for whether people or property were involved and for the specific stop-and-information duties the court describes.
Violence
Short version: Domestic-relationship violence term used in some states.
While watching: In plain English: Domestic-relationship violence term used in some states. While watching, this usually affects bond, no-contact orders, safety planning, plea negotiations, and sentencing.
Weapons
Short version: Offense for a person with a felony record possessing a firearm.
While watching: In plain English: Offense for a person with a felony record possessing a firearm. While watching, this usually raises safety concerns and can affect bond, charge severity, plea options, and sentencing.
Charge level
Short version: More serious crime category, usually punishable by more than one year in prison.
While watching: In plain English: More serious crime category, usually punishable by more than one year in prison. While watching, this usually tells you how serious the case is and what kind of sentencing exposure may be on the table.
Drug offenses
Short version: Synthetic opioid frequently charged in possession, delivery, or trafficking cases.
While watching: In plain English: Synthetic opioid frequently charged in possession, delivery, or trafficking cases. While watching, this usually comes up as the charge, the reason for supervision, or the conduct the court is weighing at bond, plea, or sentencing.
Court procedure
Short version: Late pretrial hearing to confirm readiness, offers, motions, witnesses, and trial logistics.
While watching: In plain English: Late pretrial hearing to confirm readiness, offers, motions, witnesses, and trial logistics. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Fraud and financial
Short version: Charge category involving unauthorized use of cards or account-access devices.
While watching: In plain English: Charge category involving unauthorized use of cards or account-access devices. While watching, this usually points to allegations involving money, cards, accounts, identity information, or trust.
Sentencing and money
Short version: Financial penalties and administrative charges imposed by the court.
While watching: In plain English: Financial penalties and administrative charges imposed by the court. While watching, this usually affects what someone owes, who gets paid back, and what financial conditions the court imposes.
Weapons
Short version: Offense involving possession or use of a firearm while impaired.
While watching: In plain English: Offense involving possession or use of a firearm while impaired. While watching, this usually raises safety concerns and can affect bond, charge severity, plea options, and sentencing.
Alternative resolution
Short version: Special first-offense treatment that may reduce record consequences after completion.
While watching: In plain English: Special first-offense treatment that may reduce record consequences after completion. While watching, this usually matters because it can give the person a path to resolve the case through treatment, supervision, or conditions instead of the usual conviction-and-sentence track.
Property and public order
Short version: Flight from law enforcement, often in a vehicle.
While watching: In plain English: Flight from law enforcement, often in a vehicle. While watching, this usually involves damage, disorder, trespass, public safety, or courtroom concerns about future behavior.
Records and relief
Short version: A Florida law requiring people who meet its career-offender definition to register and keep specified information current.
While watching: In plain English: This concerns a registration duty tied to a qualifying prior designation, not a new violent-offense label. Listen for the stated designation and the alleged registration requirement.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: A Florida-licensed program that provides DUI education, psychosocial evaluation, and treatment-referral services for court and driver-licensing requirements.
While watching: In plain English: When the court says DUI school, it generally means a licensed program that may be required alongside other conditions; the hours and license effects depend on Florida's rules.
Charging documents
Short version: In Ohio, a part of an indictment or information that identifies property the prosecution alleges is subject to criminal forfeiture.
While watching: In plain English: The prosecution is giving notice that it seeks particular property; the specification alone does not mean the property will automatically be lost.
Fraud and financial
Short version: Making or using a false writing or signature with intent to defraud.
While watching: In plain English: Making or using a false writing or signature with intent to defraud. While watching, this usually points to allegations involving money, cards, accounts, identity information, or trust.
Property and public order
Short version: Michigan's fourth-degree arson offense covers specified intentional fires or explosions involving qualifying property, with the exact application depending on the statutory circumstances.
While watching: In plain English: This charge concerns a fire or explosion involving property; viewers should listen for the type and value of property and any prior arson conviction discussed in court.
Evidence and motions
Short version: A court hearing to test whether false or recklessly inaccurate statements in a search-warrant affidavit were necessary to establish probable cause.
While watching: In plain English: The defense is challenging the reliability of information used to obtain a search warrant, and the judge may hold a hearing before deciding whether evidence from that warrant can be used.
Fraud and financial
Short version: Deception used to obtain money, property, services, or legal advantage.
While watching: In plain English: Deception used to obtain money, property, services, or legal advantage. While watching, this usually points to allegations involving money, cards, accounts, identity information, or trust.
Fraud and financial
Short version: Using or possessing another person's identifying information unlawfully.
While watching: In plain English: Using or possessing another person's identifying information unlawfully. While watching, this usually points to allegations involving money, cards, accounts, identity information, or trust.
Warrants and custody
Short version: Warrant based on a person being wanted in another jurisdiction.
While watching: In plain English: Warrant based on a person being wanted in another jurisdiction. While watching, this usually means the court is dealing with arrest authority, missed court, holds, or whether someone is going into custody.
Sentencing and custody
Short version: In Louisiana, a sentence-reduction credit that eligible prisoners may earn through good behavior and qualifying work or self-improvement activities, subject to statutory limits.
While watching: In plain English: A good-time date can be an earlier projected release date based on credits, not a promise of release or a substitute for the court's sentence.
Release conditions
Short version: Location-monitoring device used as a bond, probation, or parole condition.
While watching: In plain English: Location-monitoring device used as a bond, probation, or parole condition. While watching, these are the rules someone must follow if the court allows them to stay out of custody.
Traffic and driving
Short version: Michigan's graduated licensing system gives young drivers tiered driving privileges and restrictions before an unrestricted license.
While watching: In plain English: This refers to a young driver's license rules, such as supervision, hours, or passenger limits; listen for the level and specific restriction alleged.
Theft and property
Short version: Higher-level theft offense, often based on value or type of property.
While watching: In plain English: Higher-level theft offense, often based on value or type of property. While watching, this usually involves allegations about taking, keeping, damaging, or misusing property.
Court procedure
Short version: A plea admitting responsibility for an offense.
While watching: In plain English: A plea admitting responsibility for an offense. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Enhancements
Short version: A Florida sentencing designation that can permit an extended prison term when the statutory prior-conviction and timing requirements are met and the required procedure is followed.
While watching: In plain English: When the state mentions HFO, it is seeking a repeat-offender sentencing designation; it does not apply just because a person has been accused, and the court must make the required findings.
Enhancements
Short version: Repeat-offender status that can increase punishment.
While watching: In plain English: Repeat-offender status that can increase punishment. While watching, this usually matters because prior history or special allegations can raise the stakes of a case.
Enhancements
Short version: A Florida repeat-offender sentencing designation for a person who meets the statute's qualifying prior violent-felony and timing requirements.
While watching: In plain English: HVFO is a specific Florida repeat-offender designation with different qualifying offenses from the general habitual-offender label; the court must still decide whether its legal requirements are met.
Violence
Short version: Repeated or targeted conduct meant to alarm, annoy, threaten, or abuse.
While watching: In plain English: Repeated or targeted conduct meant to alarm, annoy, threaten, or abuse. While watching, this usually affects bond, no-contact orders, safety planning, plea negotiations, and sentencing.
Impaired driving
Short version: Impaired-driving allegation or enhancement based on a high blood-alcohol level.
While watching: In plain English: Impaired-driving allegation or enhancement based on a high blood-alcohol level. While watching, this usually involves alcohol or drug-related driving allegations and often brings up testing, treatment, license issues, and repeat-offense concerns.
Warrants and custody
Short version: A custody block based on another case, warrant, agency, or court order.
While watching: In plain English: A custody block based on another case, warrant, agency, or court order. While watching, this usually means the court is dealing with arrest authority, missed court, holds, or whether someone is going into custody.
Traffic and driving
Short version: A Michigan civil infraction for holding or manually using a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle, subject to statutory exceptions.
While watching: In plain English: This is the hands-on device-use offense, not an impaired-driving charge; listen for whether the alleged use was texting, calling, video, navigation entry, or another task and whether an exception applies.
Release conditions
Short version: Court-ordered restriction requiring a person to remain at home except for approved reasons.
While watching: In plain English: Court-ordered restriction requiring a person to remain at home except for approved reasons. While watching, these are the rules someone must follow if the court allows them to stay out of custody.
Custody and jail
Short version: Wisconsin Huber Law privileges can allow a jailed person to leave custody for limited approved purposes, such as work, education, treatment, or family care, and then return.
While watching: In plain English: The person remains in custody but may receive tightly limited permission to leave for approved needs; it is broader than ordinary work release and can be changed or denied by the jailer or court under the law.
Alternative resolution
Short version: Michigan youthful-offender status that can avoid a public conviction after successful completion.
While watching: In plain English: Michigan youthful-offender status that can avoid a public conviction after successful completion. While watching, this usually matters because it can give the person a path to resolve the case through treatment, supervision, or conditions instead of the usual conviction-and-sentence track.
Fraud and financial
Short version: An offense involving specified unauthorized uses of another person's personal identifying information with the intent required by statute.
While watching: In plain English: This is more specific than a general fraud label. In Ohio it concerns another person's identifying information and the statutory intent; a charge is an allegation, not proof.
Release conditions
Short version: Device requiring a breath test before a vehicle can start.
While watching: In plain English: Device requiring a breath test before a vehicle can start. While watching, these are the rules someone must follow if the court allows them to stay out of custody.
Drug offenses
Short version: An Ohio charge alleging that a person knowingly conveyed or attempted to convey a drug of abuse onto the grounds of a specified government-controlled facility.
While watching: In plain English: This is a specific Ohio drug charge tied to bringing drugs into certain facilities; the court still must decide whether the allegation is proven or accepted in a plea.
Warrants and custody
Short version: Custody notice or hold related to immigration enforcement.
While watching: In plain English: Custody notice or hold related to immigration enforcement. While watching, this usually means the court is dealing with arrest authority, missed court, holds, or whether someone is going into custody.
Traffic and driving
Short version: Traffic offense for obstructing or slowing traffic in a prohibited way.
While watching: In plain English: Traffic offense for obstructing or slowing traffic in a prohibited way. While watching, this usually involves driving conduct, licensing, crashes, or traffic-related public safety concerns.
Traffic and driving
Short version: In Michigan, this is a Secretary of State administrative hearing about an alleged refusal to take a chemical test after an impaired-driving arrest, with potential license consequences.
While watching: In plain English: This is separate from the criminal case. It addresses the driving-privilege consequence tied to the reported test refusal, not whether the person is guilty of OWI.
Evidence and motions
Short version: In criminal procedure, this is the judge's private examination of protected records to decide whether any material must be disclosed to the defense.
While watching: In plain English: The judge looks at sensitive records first instead of releasing everything. The judge then decides whether any part is necessary to the defense and should be shared.
Sentencing and money
Short version: An income withholding order directs a source of income to withhold support payments and send them through the support-payment system.
While watching: In plain English: Support can be taken directly from the paying person's income instead of relying only on a voluntary payment; the order and its effective date control the details.
Mental health
Short version: A legal determination that a person currently cannot understand the proceedings or assist counsel because of mental condition.
While watching: In plain English: The issue is whether the person can take part in the case now, not whether they committed the alleged offense. The court may order evaluation, treatment, or a later competency review.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: A state-law sex offense involving conduct with a child; the statutory elements, terminology, and penalties vary by jurisdiction.
While watching: In plain English: This is the name of a specific child-sex-offense allegation in some states. The court's use of the label does not establish that the charge has been proved.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: A Louisiana offense involving specified lewd or lascivious acts, communications, or grooming involving a person under the statute's age limits and with the required sexual intent.
While watching: In plain English: This names a specific Louisiana sex-offense charge. Hearing that someone was charged does not mean the charge was proved or resulted in a conviction.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: An offense involving exposure of the anus or genitals with the required sexual intent and recklessness about another person being present who may be offended or alarmed.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation focuses on exposure plus the statute's intent and awareness requirements. Hearing the charge does not establish that the alleged conduct occurred.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: A Michigan form of indecent exposure in which the person is alleged to meet the statute's separate sexually-delinquent-person classification.
While watching: In plain English: This is not ordinary indecent-exposure shorthand; it adds a specific Michigan statutory classification that changes the sentencing exposure, so listen for whether that status is actually alleged and proved.
Charging documents
Short version: Formal charging document, often issued by a grand jury.
While watching: In plain English: Formal charging document, often issued by a grand jury. While watching, this helps explain what the case is officially about and how the charge is being framed in court.
Lawyers and rights
Short version: Financial status showing a person cannot afford counsel or costs.
While watching: In plain English: Financial status showing a person cannot afford counsel or costs. While watching, this usually affects whether the person understands their rights, has counsel, or is choosing to speak or act without a lawyer.
Property and public order
Short version: This offense can include knowingly making a false report or warning that causes evacuation, serious public inconvenience, or alarm.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation is not simply that a report was false; the statute also focuses on the resulting evacuation, public inconvenience, or alarm.
Charging documents
Short version: Formal prosecutor-filed charging document.
While watching: In plain English: Formal prosecutor-filed charging document. While watching, this helps explain what the case is officially about and how the charge is being framed in court.
Court procedure
Short version: Early hearing after arrest where the court reviews rights, bond, counsel, and next steps.
While watching: In plain English: Early hearing after arrest where the court reviews rights, bond, counsel, and next steps. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Violence
Short version: A Texas offense covering specified bodily or serious mental injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual, committed with a culpable mental state described by statute.
While watching: In plain English: The charge concerns causing a protected person a qualifying injury by an act or, in some circumstances, an omission; listen for the alleged mental state, injury, victim category, and whether a duty to act is claimed.
Property and public order
Short version: Willfully and maliciously interrupting or making unauthorized connections with covered electronic communication systems, including telephones and computer systems.
While watching: In plain English: This term can refer to deliberately disrupting or tampering with a phone, internet, or computer communication system. The exact conduct and subsection matter.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: A Texas residential intermediate-sanction program that provides structured substance-use treatment and may be ordered as a probation response short of revocation or prison.
While watching: In plain English: The court is ordering a structured residential treatment placement while supervision continues; listen for the facility, track, length, aftercare, and what happens after release.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: ICOTS is the web-based system states use to process and track interstate transfers of probation or parole supervision.
While watching: In plain English: An ICOTS transfer concerns the paperwork and coordination for supervision in another state after release. It does not itself decide whether parole will be granted.
Alternative resolution
Short version: Treatment-focused alternative that can avoid conviction if successfully completed.
While watching: In plain English: Treatment-focused alternative that can avoid conviction if successfully completed. While watching, this usually matters because it can give the person a path to resolve the case through treatment, supervision, or conditions instead of the usual conviction-and-sentence track.
Evidence and motions
Short version: A police inventory of lawfully impounded property, typically performed under standardized procedures to safeguard the property and record its contents.
While watching: In plain English: Lawyers may dispute whether officers were making a routine inventory or looking for evidence; the judge decides whether the search met the legal requirements.
Fraud and financial
Short version: Making, drawing, uttering, or delivering a check or draft without the funds or credit required by statute.
While watching: In plain English: A court may use this full title instead of "bad check." The charge is an allegation, and the statutory notice and financial-liability rules still matter.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: The transcript uses this as a phone-based check-in condition, but it does not identify the local system or exact reporting requirements.
While watching: In plain English: The court may be ordering phone check-ins during supervision; listen for the schedule, phone number, and supervising agency because the acronym alone does not establish the rule.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: JCDI is Jefferson County, Texas's outpatient drug- and alcohol-treatment program in a Drug Court setting for clients identified as addicted to or abusing substances.
While watching: In plain English: A judge may order this local treatment-and-supervision program as part of a case; completing it is different from simply attending a single class.
Sentencing and custody
Short version: An Ohio process through which an eligible person serving qualifying nonmandatory prison time may ask the sentencing court to reduce the sentence and release the person under court-imposed terms.
While watching: In plain English: An eligible person may later ask the sentencing judge for release before finishing qualifying prison time; eligibility does not promise release, so listen for timing, exclusions, and any community-control conditions.
Court procedure
Short version: Trial where jurors decide facts and, in criminal cases, guilt.
While watching: In plain English: Trial where jurors decide facts and, in criminal cases, guilt. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Court procedure
Short version: In Texas, juvenile certification is the process in which a juvenile court may waive its jurisdiction and transfer an eligible case to criminal court.
While watching: In plain English: This hearing decides which court system will handle the case, not whether the young person is guilty; Texas law requires specific findings and procedures before a transfer.
Court procedure
Short version: A Michigan plea agreement in which the prosecutor promises to recommend, or not oppose, a particular sentence; the judge is not bound by it.
While watching: In plain English: The prosecutor has made a sentencing promise as part of the plea deal, such as recommending a particular sentence or agreeing not to oppose one. The judge did not make the promise and is not required to follow it. While watching, listen for the exact sentencing recommendation and whether the court accepts it. If the court will not follow the sentencing bargain, the defendant generally must be given an opportunity to withdraw the plea.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: In Florida, knowingly giving false required registration information or leaving it out can be a third-degree felony under F.S. 943.0435.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation is that required registration information was knowingly inaccurate or incomplete. Listen for whether the court is discussing an allegation, a plea, or a finding.
Theft and property
Short version: Unlawful taking of property, a term used in many state charge names.
While watching: In plain English: Unlawful taking of property, a term used in many state charge names. While watching, this usually involves allegations about taking, keeping, damaging, or misusing property.
Court procedure
Short version: A less serious offense whose required elements are contained within the charged offense, allowing a conviction or plea to the lesser offense in appropriate circumstances.
While watching: In plain English: The case may resolve on a narrower offense contained within the original charge; listen for which original count is being reduced, the exact lesser offense, and its separate penalty range.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: Sex offense term used in some states for molestation involving a minor.
While watching: In plain English: Sex offense term used in some states for molestation involving a minor. While watching, remember that these words may describe allegations, charges, or convictions depending on the posture of the case. The court is often focused on bond, safety conditions, plea issues, sentencing, or supervision.
Drug offenses
Short version: A Woodhaven municipal offense involving knowingly loitering about or frequenting a place where controlled substances are illegally stored or kept.
While watching: In plain English: This is a local drug-location allegation, not simply being nearby; listen for what the person knew about the location and the court's actual finding.
Court roles
Short version: Judicial officer who may handle initial appearances, traffic matters, warrants, or other proceedings.
While watching: In plain English: Judicial officer who may handle initial appearances, traffic matters, warrants, or other proceedings. While watching, this helps you track who is speaking, what their job is, and why their position matters in the hearing.
Drug offenses
Short version: Knowingly keeping or maintaining a place used for unlawful controlled-substance use, keeping, or sales.
While watching: In plain English: This concerns the alleged use of a place, such as a residence or vehicle, for illegal drug activity, not merely whether drugs were found there.
Homicide
Short version: Unlawful killing less culpable than murder, with categories varying by state.
While watching: In plain English: Unlawful killing less culpable than murder, with categories varying by state. While watching, this is a serious charge category. The court may be focused on bond, probable cause, trial scheduling, plea discussions, or sentencing.
Drug offenses
Short version: A controlled-substance offense involving knowingly manufacturing or delivering a drug, with the exact offense level depending on the substance's penalty group and amount.
While watching: In plain English: The phrase is broader than simple possession and can refer to making, transferring, or intending to transfer a controlled substance; the charging document supplies the drug category and amount that determine the specific allegation.
Custody and jail
Short version: The Michigan Department of Corrections, the state agency responsible for prisons and certain community-supervision functions.
While watching: In plain English: MDOC usually means Michigan's state corrections system. Listen for whether the court is discussing prison custody, parole, probation supervision, or a particular MDOC facility.
Alternative resolution
Short version: A structured negotiation where a neutral mediator helps the sides try to reach an agreement but does not decide the case.
While watching: In plain English: A structured negotiation where a neutral mediator helps the sides try to reach an agreement but does not decide the case. While watching, mediation is more common in civil and family matters than criminal court. Any agreement still has to be put into the proper legal form, and may need court approval.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: Treatment for a substance use disorder that uses an approved medication together with clinically indicated counseling, monitoring, or other services.
While watching: In plain English: Medication is being used as a core part of addiction treatment, often to reduce cravings or withdrawal; listen for the condition being treated, the prescribed medication, the provider, and required follow-up.
Alternative resolution
Short version: In Michigan, a mental health court is a specialty court program that may provide court-supervised treatment and services to people the court determines are legally and clinically eligible.
While watching: In plain English: This is not a diagnosis or an automatic alternative to prosecution. The judge is discussing whether an eligible person might be admitted to a treatment-focused court program.
Mental health
Short version: Evaluation of mental condition for competency, treatment, risk, or sentencing.
While watching: In plain English: Evaluation of mental condition for competency, treatment, risk, or sentencing. While watching, this usually affects whether the case can move forward, what services may be needed, or how the court manages risk and treatment.
Mental health
Short version: A Texas community-supervision assignment that provides closer, specialized probation oversight and support for clients with significant mental health needs.
While watching: In plain English: The person remains on probation but is assigned to officers and services focused on mental health needs; listen for the treatment plan, reporting rules, medication conditions, and support providers.
Court procedure
Short version: This is a factual defense a party must show when seeking to set aside a default or default judgment, along with good cause in the ordinary rule.
While watching: In plain English: Explaining why someone missed court is not usually enough by itself. The person also needs to show facts that could defeat or change the other side's claim.
Drug offenses
Short version: Stimulant controlled substance commonly charged as meth.
While watching: In plain English: Stimulant controlled substance commonly charged as meth. While watching, this usually comes up as the charge, the reason for supervision, or the conduct the court is weighing at bond, plea, or sentencing.
Lawyers and rights
Short version: In Michigan, a court-appointed defense lawyer provided through the state's indigent-defense system for an eligible person facing a criminal charge.
While watching: In plain English: MIDC refers to Michigan's indigent-defense system; the court is keeping or appointing counsel for someone who qualifies, not deciding whether the charge is true.
Court procedure
Short version: A sworn statement filed before a default judgment to tell the court whether the absent defendant is in military service.
While watching: In plain English: This safeguards active-duty servicemembers; if military status cannot be confirmed, the court may need additional protections before entering a default judgment.
Charge level
Short version: Less serious crime category, often punishable by up to one year in jail.
While watching: In plain English: Less serious crime category, often punishable by up to one year in jail. While watching, this usually tells you how serious the case is and what kind of sentencing exposure may be on the table.
Property and public order
Short version: This can include knowingly using 911 for a false report, a non-public-safety purpose, or to avoid a service charge.
While watching: In plain English: The accusation is about using the emergency system for a prohibited purpose, not merely placing a 911 call. Listen for what the call allegedly reported or why the service was used.
Court procedure
Short version: Information offered to reduce punishment or explain circumstances.
While watching: In plain English: Information offered to reduce punishment or explain circumstances. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Fraud and financial
Short version: An offense involving a transaction with proceeds of unlawful activity for a prohibited purpose, such as furthering corrupt activity or concealing the property's source.
While watching: In plain English: The charge alleges moving or handling unlawful proceeds in a way meant to further crime or hide where the property came from, rather than merely possessing money.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: A structured cognitive-behavioral program that Texas corrections materials identify as aiming to improve moral reasoning and address antisocial values.
While watching: In plain English: The court may be recommending a course as a supervision condition; listen for the provider, enrollment deadline, cost, and whether participation is mandatory.
Evidence and motions
Short version: Formal request asking the court to rule on an issue.
While watching: In plain English: Formal request asking the court to rule on an issue. While watching, this is usually about what information the court can consider, what the lawyers are asking the judge to do, or whether evidence can be used.
Evidence and motions
Short version: In a Michigan criminal jury trial, a request asking the court to acquit because the prosecution's evidence is legally insufficient for a conviction.
While watching: In plain English: After the prosecution has presented evidence, the defense can argue that the proof cannot legally support a conviction; denial of the motion does not decide guilt.
Court procedure
Short version: In Michigan, this is a postconviction request under the 6.500 court-rule procedure seeking relief from a criminal judgment.
While watching: In plain English: This is a rule-governed way to ask a criminal court for postconviction relief, with filing and repeat-motion limits that can matter to a defendant's options.
Evidence and motions
Short version: A pretrial request asking the judge to decide in advance whether specified evidence may be mentioned or admitted at trial.
While watching: In plain English: Lawyers use this motion to set evidence rules before the jury hears the case, often to keep potentially prejudicial material out of trial.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: In Texas, this is a filing in a deferred-adjudication case asking the court to proceed to a finding of guilt on the original charge after alleged supervision violations.
While watching: In plain English: The filing itself is not a conviction; listen for the alleged violations, the plea of true or not true, and whether the court grants the motion or changes conditions instead.
Evidence and motions
Short version: In Texas, a written request asking the court to set aside or challenge the legal form or substance of an indictment.
While watching: In plain English: The defense is arguing that the charging document is legally defective; filing the motion does not dismiss the case unless the court grants it.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: A request asking the court to revoke supervision after alleged violations.
While watching: In plain English: A request asking the court to revoke supervision after alleged violations. While watching, this usually affects what punishment or supervision the person receives and what happens if they do not follow the rules.
Court procedure
Short version: In civil procedure, this asks the court to undo an entered default or default judgment so the case can be litigated.
While watching: In plain English: A party who missed a required response is asking to reopen the case. The court generally requires good cause and a properly supported meritorious defense.
Evidence and motions
Short version: Request to exclude evidence because it was allegedly obtained unlawfully.
While watching: In plain English: Request to exclude evidence because it was allegedly obtained unlawfully. While watching, this is usually about what information the court can consider, what the lawyers are asking the judge to do, or whether evidence can be used.
Court procedure
Short version: A request asking the court to allow a previously entered guilty plea to be withdrawn.
While watching: In plain English: The defense is asking to undo an earlier guilty plea; listen for when the plea was entered, whether it was voluntary and informed, and the procedural rule governing the request.
Traffic and driving
Short version: Traffic offense where a moving violation results in a death.
While watching: In plain English: Traffic offense where a moving violation results in a death. While watching, this usually involves driving conduct, licensing, crashes, or traffic-related public safety concerns.
Homicide
Short version: Unlawful killing with the mental state required by the charged degree.
While watching: In plain English: Unlawful killing with the mental state required by the charged degree. While watching, this is a serious charge category. The court may be focused on bond, probable cause, trial scheduling, plea discussions, or sentencing.
Bond and release
Short version: A Florida bail-source proceeding in which the defendant and bond cosigners must disclose the source of the bond premium and collateral before release.
While watching: In plain English: Before bond can be posted, the court may require proof of where the money or collateral came from. It concerns release conditions, not whether the person is guilty of the charge.
Alternative resolution
Short version: Discussion between the lawyers, and sometimes the parties, aimed at reaching an agreement about how to resolve a case.
While watching: In plain English: Discussion between the lawyers, and sometimes the parties, aimed at reaching an agreement about how to resolve a case. While watching, negotiations may lead to a plea offer, a change to the charges, or an agreement about conditions or timing. Nothing is final unless the court accepts it when approval is required.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: The Northeast Ohio Community Alternative Program, an Ohio community-based correctional and treatment program used as an alternative to prison in eligible cases.
While watching: In plain English: This is a structured Ohio residential correctional placement with programming, not simply ordinary probation. Listen for the referral, length, eligibility, and what happens after completion.
Mental health
Short version: A verdict or finding of not guilty by reason of insanity, based on the jurisdiction's legal-insanity standard rather than ordinary criminal guilt.
While watching: In plain English: The court has found that a legal-insanity defense applies. That result can still involve court supervision, treatment, or commitment proceedings; it is not the same as a simple acquittal.
Bond and release
Short version: Custody status where release bond is unavailable at that stage.
While watching: In plain English: Custody status where release bond is unavailable at that stage. While watching, this is usually about whether the person stays in custody, goes home, and what rules they must follow while the case is still moving.
Court procedure
Short version: A plea in which the defendant does not contest the charge; the court may accept the plea, enter judgment as allowed by law, and impose sentence without an express admission for every other purpose.
While watching: In plain English: The person is choosing not to fight the charge in this case, but the legal effect outside this case varies by jurisdiction. Listen for whether the judge accepts the plea and what judgment or sentence follows.
Traffic and driving
Short version: Driving or operating a vehicle without required insurance proof.
While watching: In plain English: Driving or operating a vehicle without required insurance proof. While watching, this usually involves driving conduct, licensing, crashes, or traffic-related public safety concerns.
Traffic and driving
Short version: Driving without a valid operator or driver's license.
While watching: In plain English: Driving without a valid operator or driver's license. While watching, this usually involves driving conduct, licensing, crashes, or traffic-related public safety concerns.
Release conditions
Short version: Court order prohibiting contact with a protected person.
While watching: In plain English: Court order prohibiting contact with a protected person. While watching, these are the rules someone must follow if the court allows them to stay out of custody.
Traffic and driving
Short version: In Michigan, a civil traffic determination that is not forwarded for entry on the Secretary of State's master driving record when it falls within a statutory exception.
While watching: In plain English: This is a traffic matter the court says will not be sent to the state driving record; it can still carry a fine or other court consequence.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: Under Michigan law, a person convicted of a misdemeanor other than a serious misdemeanor is presumed to receive a fine, community service, or another nonjail and nonprobation sentence unless the court states reasonable grounds to depart.
While watching: In plain English: This is a Michigan sentencing starting point, not a guarantee; listen for the court to explain any reason it is imposing jail or probation instead.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: A nontechnical probation violation is conduct outside the statutory technical-violation category, such as a new-law violation, certain no-contact violations, alcohol use on felony OWI probation, or absconding.
While watching: In plain English: When a court calls a violation nontechnical, it is treating it differently from a routine rule breach, so the technical-violation limits may not apply. The classification depends on the law and facts.
Court procedure
Short version: A plea denying guilt and usually keeping the case on a trial track.
While watching: In plain English: A plea denying guilt and usually keeping the case on a trial track. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Integrity offenses
Short version: Offenses involving interference with officials or retaliation against public servants or witnesses.
While watching: In plain English: Offenses involving interference with officials or retaliation against public servants or witnesses. While watching, these terms usually involve alleged interference with the court process, witnesses, evidence, or public officials.
Weapons
Short version: A Michigan misdemeanor for obtaining a firearm in violation of the state's license requirement, subject to statutory exceptions.
While watching: In plain English: The charge concerns acquiring a firearm without the license required by Michigan law, not a finding that every firearm purchase needs the same paperwork.
Court procedure
Short version: Michigan sentencing guidelines use OV 19 to score specified threats to a penal institution or court, interference with the administration of justice, or interference with emergency services.
While watching: In plain English: OV 19 is a sentencing score, not a separate charge; viewers should listen for the conduct the judge says interfered or attempted to interfere with justice or emergency services.
Court procedure
Short version: Michigan sentencing guidelines use OV 4 to score whether a victim suffered serious psychological injury that may require professional treatment.
While watching: In plain English: OV 4 is a sentencing score, not a separate criminal charge; viewers should listen for evidence the judge considers about a victim's psychological injury.
Impaired driving
Short version: A vehicle-related alcohol-container offense, often involving an open container of alcohol in a vehicle or public area as defined by state law.
While watching: In plain English: The issue is an open alcohol container, not necessarily impaired driving. Listen for where the container was found, the vehicle or public-place rule, and the jurisdiction's definition.
Court procedure
Short version: In Florida criminal practice, an open plea means admitting or pleading without accepting the state's negotiated plea agreement, leaving sentencing for the court to decide.
While watching: In plain English: The person is admitting or pleading but is not taking the state's negotiated deal, so the judge decides the sentence after hearing the relevant evidence. It does not guarantee any particular sentence.
Impaired driving
Short version: A Michigan offense involving operating a motorboat while under the influence, with a prohibited alcohol level, or with a qualifying controlled substance in the body.
While watching: In plain English: This is impaired operation of a boat rather than a road vehicle; listen for the alleged substance, alcohol level, impairment, prior offenses, and whether injury or property damage is alleged.
Court procedure
Short version: A court order directing a person to appear and explain why the court should not take a specified action; Michigan law uses it as an alternative to an arrest warrant for many technical probation violations.
While watching: In plain English: The court is requiring the person to answer an alleged failure or violation before deciding what to do; listen for the conduct at issue, the hearing date, and the sanction or order being considered.
Theft and property
Short version: Organized retail theft is a distinct offense involving coordinated, repeated, or benefit-based unlawful taking of retail property, with the offense level determined chiefly by its value.
While watching: In plain English: This is more than a single shoplifting allegation; it can cover coordinated or repeat retail-theft conduct and its level can depend on the property value.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: Treatment while living in the community instead of in a facility.
While watching: In plain English: Treatment while living in the community instead of in a facility. While watching, this usually tells you what the court expects the person to do outside the courtroom.
Impaired driving
Short version: Ohio's term for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both.
While watching: In plain English: OVI is Ohio's impaired-driving charge label. The court may discuss testing, prior OVI history, license consequences, treatment, and the alleged level of impairment.
Impaired driving
Short version: Operating while intoxicated, common in Michigan and other states.
While watching: In plain English: Operating while intoxicated, common in Michigan and other states. While watching, this usually involves alcohol or drug-related driving allegations and often brings up testing, treatment, license issues, and repeat-offense concerns.
Impaired driving
Short version: Michigan's operating while visibly impaired offense, a lower-tier impaired-driving charge with its own statutory standard.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation is visible impairment while driving, rather than necessarily the higher intoxication standard. Listen for the observations, test results, and exact charge label.
Court roles
Short version: The identification number assigned to an attorney by the State Bar of Michigan.
While watching: In plain English: It is a Michigan lawyer's professional identification number. A judge may ask an attorney to state a name and P number so the correct lawyer can be identified in the court record. It normally begins with the letter P followed by digits.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: In Ohio, this offense covers specified knowing conduct involving material or performances depicting a minor or impaired person in sexual activity.
While watching: In plain English: This is a specific Ohio charge involving sexually oriented material or performances, and the exact conduct and degree depend on the statute subsection alleged.
Parole and clemency
Short version: Official forgiveness that may restore rights but does not always erase the conviction.
While watching: In plain English: Official forgiveness that may restore rights but does not always erase the conviction. While watching, this usually involves release from prison, supervision after prison, or a request to reduce or forgive punishment.
Parole and clemency
Short version: Conditional release from prison under supervision before the full sentence expires.
While watching: In plain English: Conditional release from prison under supervision before the full sentence expires. While watching, this usually involves release from prison, supervision after prison, or a request to reduce or forgive punishment.
Parole and clemency
Short version: Ending parole because conditions were violated.
While watching: In plain English: Ending parole because conditions were violated. While watching, this usually involves release from prison, supervision after prison, or a request to reduce or forgive punishment.
Court procedure
Short version: In Wisconsin, a person can be treated as a principal in a crime if they directly commit it, intentionally aid and abet it, or participate in a qualifying conspiracy or procurement of it.
While watching: In plain English: Someone can be charged for participating in a crime even if the allegation is not that they personally carried out every act; the state still has to prove the required form of participation.
Sentencing and money
Short version: Schedule for paying fines, costs, restitution, or other court obligations.
While watching: In plain English: Schedule for paying fines, costs, restitution, or other court obligations. While watching, this usually affects what someone owes, who gets paid back, and what financial conditions the court imposes.
Impaired driving
Short version: A handheld preliminary breath test that gives an on-the-spot indication of breath alcohol concentration.
While watching: In plain English: A person blows into a handheld device for an immediate alcohol reading; listen for whether the test is roadside evidence or recurring court-ordered monitoring, because its role can differ.
Integrity offenses
Short version: Knowingly making a false statement under oath.
While watching: In plain English: Knowingly making a false statement under oath. While watching, these terms usually involve alleged interference with the court process, witnesses, evidence, or public officials.
Traffic and driving
Short version: A Michigan traffic-law violation for knowingly allowing a vehicle that a person owns or controls to be driven in violation of the Michigan Vehicle Code, including by an unlicensed driver.
While watching: In plain English: This alleges that someone let another person drive their vehicle when that driver was not legally permitted to operate it; it is separate from the other person's alleged driving violation.
Bond and release
Short version: Release based mostly on a promise to return, usually without upfront cash.
While watching: In plain English: Release based mostly on a promise to return, usually without upfront cash. While watching, this is usually about whether the person stays in custody, goes home, and what rules they must follow while the case is still moving.
Theft and property
Short version: Lower-level theft offense, often based on lower property value.
While watching: In plain English: Lower-level theft offense, often based on lower property value. While watching, this usually involves allegations about taking, keeping, damaging, or misusing property.
Court procedure
Short version: The defendant's formal answer to a criminal charge.
While watching: In plain English: The defendant's formal answer to a criminal charge. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Court procedure
Short version: An agreement about charges, sentencing recommendations, or conditions in exchange for a plea.
While watching: In plain English: An agreement about charges, sentencing recommendations, or conditions in exchange for a plea. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Court procedure
Short version: A Michigan procedure that lets a defendant return an approved written form entering a guilty or not-guilty plea in an eligible misdemeanor case without making that plea in person.
While watching: In plain English: The defendant sends the court a signed plea form instead of appearing to enter that plea; listen for whether the court received and accepted it, which plea was selected, and any stated sentence or bond terms.
Court procedure
Short version: Judge's on-record questions to confirm that a plea is knowing, voluntary, and supported.
While watching: In plain English: Judge's on-record questions to confirm that a plea is knowing, voluntary, and supported. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: In a Texas probation-revocation proceeding, an admission that one or more alleged supervision violations are true.
While watching: In plain English: The person is admitting a claimed probation violation, not entering a new guilty plea to the original offense; listen for which counts are admitted and whether the judge continues, modifies, or revokes supervision.
Court procedure
Short version: A proposed resolution offered before trial, often including a sentence recommendation or charge dismissal.
While watching: In plain English: A proposed resolution offered before trial, often including a sentence recommendation or charge dismissal. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Court procedure
Short version: A judge or defendant declines a proposed plea resolution.
While watching: In plain English: A judge or defendant declines a proposed plea resolution. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Weapons
Short version: Law restricts transporting or possessing a loaded non-pistol firearm, or certain loaded pneumatic guns, in or upon a mechanically propelled vehicle unless otherwise permitted by law.
While watching: In plain English: This is a vehicle-based weapons allegation; listen for the type of weapon, whether it was loaded, the vehicle setting, and any claimed legal exception rather than assuming the allegation was proven.
Property and public order
Short version: Possessing or controlling an item with the purpose of using it criminally.
While watching: In plain English: The charge focuses on the intended criminal use of an item, so the item and the evidence of intent both matter.
Drug offenses
Short version: Having control over contraband, drugs, or prohibited property.
While watching: In plain English: Having control over contraband, drugs, or prohibited property. While watching, this usually comes up as the charge, the reason for supervision, or the conduct the court is weighing at bond, plea, or sentencing.
Drug offenses
Short version: A Texas controlled-substance possession charge whose classification and alleged weight are determined under the state's Penalty Group 1 or 1-B statutes.
While watching: In plain English: The group identifies which controlled substance category the allegation involves, while the stated weight can change the charge level; the indictment is an accusation, not a finding of guilt.
Weapons
Short version: Florida prohibits knowingly possessing a firearm whose manufacturer's or importer's serial number was unlawfully altered or removed.
While watching: In plain English: the issue is the firearm's identifying number and knowing possession, making this a separate charge from an allegation that someone was generally barred from possessing a firearm.
Drug offenses
Short version: In Florida, this charge concerns possessing certain new or legend drugs without a valid prescription, subject to statutory exceptions.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation is that someone had a prescription-only drug without legally obtaining it; the prosecution still must prove the statutory elements and any exception can matter.
Theft and property
Short version: This offense is intentionally possessing, procuring, receiving, or concealing something of value known or reasonably believed to have been stolen or robbed.
While watching: In plain English: The accusation is about knowingly handling property tied to theft or robbery. Listen for the item, its value, and what the state says showed knowledge or reason to believe it was stolen.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: Ohio supervision imposed after release from a prison term, administered by the parole authority or an authorized court under statutory conditions.
While watching: In plain English: After prison, the person may remain under enforceable supervision with release conditions; listen for whether it is mandatory or discretionary, its duration, and the sanctions for violations.
Court procedure
Short version: Hearing to decide whether there is enough evidence for a felony case to proceed.
While watching: In plain English: Hearing to decide whether there is enough evidence for a felony case to proceed. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Evidence standards
Short version: A proof standard meaning that a claim is more likely true than not.
While watching: In plain English: This is a lower standard than proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge or jury must find that one side's account is more likely true than the other side's.
Court procedure
Short version: Report prepared before sentencing with background, offense facts, guidelines, and recommendations.
While watching: In plain English: Report prepared before sentencing with background, offense facts, guidelines, and recommendations. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Sentencing and custody
Short version: In Ohio, a statutory starting point that favors a prison term for certain offenses, although the law may allow community control when stated conditions and findings are met.
While watching: In plain English: The judge begins from a legal preference for prison, but that is not necessarily a mandatory sentence or a final outcome.
Court procedure
Short version: Case stage before trial or a hearing held to manage the case before trial.
While watching: In plain English: Case stage before trial or a hearing held to manage the case before trial. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Alternative resolution
Short version: A diversion-style program before conviction, often called PTI.
While watching: In plain English: A diversion-style program before conviction, often called PTI. While watching, this usually matters because it can give the person a path to resolve the case through treatment, supervision, or conditions instead of the usual conviction-and-sentence track.
Bond and release
Short version: Release from jail while the case is pending.
While watching: In plain English: Release from jail while the case is pending. While watching, this is usually about whether the person stays in custody, goes home, and what rules they must follow while the case is still moving.
Release conditions
Short version: A court-supervision program that monitors a defendant's compliance with release conditions while the case is pending.
While watching: In plain English: The person is still out of custody, but must check in and follow court-set conditions such as testing; the supervising program reports progress to the court.
Offense theories
Short version: In Florida, a person who commits an offense or helps procure its commission may be charged and punished as a principal even if not present at the offense.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation is that the person can be treated as legally responsible for the crime because they helped bring it about, not necessarily because they personally carried out every act.
Enhancements
Short version: Earlier conviction used for history, scoring, impeachment, or enhancement.
While watching: In plain English: Earlier conviction used for history, scoring, impeachment, or enhancement. While watching, this usually matters because prior history or special allegations can raise the stakes of a case.
Custody and jail
Short version: Contraband brought into or possessed in a correctional facility.
While watching: In plain English: Contraband brought into or possessed in a correctional facility. While watching, this usually affects where someone is being held, where they may be sent, or how custody time is being handled.
Enhancements
Short version: A Florida statutory sentencing classification for a defendant alleged to have committed certain listed offenses within the law's specified period after release from a state correctional facility.
While watching: In plain English: This is a specific Florida repeat-offender allegation tied to a recent prison release and qualifying charge; it is not automatically established by an arrest or by the label alone.
Lawyers and rights
Short version: Representing oneself without a lawyer.
While watching: In plain English: Representing oneself without a lawyer. While watching, this usually affects whether the person understands their rights, has counsel, or is choosing to speak or act without a lawyer.
Evidence and motions
Short version: Legal threshold showing a reasonable basis to believe a crime occurred or a person is connected to it.
While watching: In plain English: Legal threshold showing a reasonable basis to believe a crime occurred or a person is connected to it. While watching, this is usually about what information the court can consider, what the lawyers are asking the judge to do, or whether evidence can be used.
Court procedure
Short version: Preliminary criminal-case event used in some states before a preliminary exam.
While watching: In plain English: Preliminary criminal-case event used in some states before a preliminary exam. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: Court-ordered community supervision with conditions instead of, or after, jail or prison.
While watching: In plain English: Court-ordered community supervision with conditions instead of, or after, jail or prison. While watching, this usually affects what punishment or supervision the person receives and what happens if they do not follow the rules.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: Alleged failure to follow probation rules.
While watching: In plain English: Alleged failure to follow probation rules. While watching, this usually affects what punishment or supervision the person receives and what happens if they do not follow the rules.
Court procedure
Short version: A court proceeding to decide whether a probation or community-control violation occurred and what consequence, if any, should follow.
While watching: In plain English: This is the hearing where the judge considers the alleged supervision violation; listen for whether the person waives the hearing, admits the allegation, or contests the facts.
Weapons
Short version: A person legally barred from possessing firearms or ammunition.
While watching: In plain English: A person legally barred from possessing firearms or ammunition. While watching, this usually raises safety concerns and can affect bond, charge severity, plea options, and sentencing.
Property and public order
Short version: An offense involving possession or provision of a prohibited substance in a correctional facility under the conduct and substance definitions set by statute.
While watching: In plain English: This is a distinct Texas correctional-facility charge. The surrounding record should show the substance and conduct the court is referring to.
Property and public order
Short version: An offense involving knowingly receiving or soliciting compensation from another person's prostitution, rather than personally providing prostitution services.
While watching: In plain English: This allegation concerns benefiting from or arranging another person's prostitution, which is different from the separate offense of prostitution itself.
Court roles
Short version: Lawyer representing the government in a criminal case.
While watching: In plain English: Lawyer representing the government in a criminal case. While watching, this helps you track who is speaking, what their job is, and why their position matters in the hearing.
Release conditions
Short version: Order protecting a person from contact, harassment, threats, or abuse.
While watching: In plain English: Order protecting a person from contact, harassment, threats, or abuse. While watching, these are the rules someone must follow if the court allows them to stay out of custody.
Lawyers and rights
Short version: Government-paid defense lawyer for a person who qualifies financially.
While watching: In plain English: Government-paid defense lawyer for a person who qualifies financially. While watching, this usually affects whether the person understands their rights, has counsel, or is choosing to speak or act without a lawyer.
Sentencing and money
Short version: In this hearing, the court used this phrase for money it said could be paid before release, but the transcript does not establish the amount's precise legal basis.
While watching: In plain English: It was the dollar figure the court said could be paid to seek release; check the court record because a 'purge' can have different legal meanings.
Release conditions
Short version: Random urine testing for drugs or alcohol.
While watching: In plain English: Random urine testing for drugs or alcohol. While watching, these are the rules someone must follow if the court allows them to stay out of custody.
Court procedure
Short version: In Wisconsin, a read-in charge is an uncharged or dismissed charge that the defendant agrees the court may consider at sentencing.
While watching: In plain English: The charge is not being prosecuted as a separate conviction, but the court can consider it at sentencing and may order restitution. It is not automatically an admission of guilt.
Evidence and motions
Short version: Lower legal threshold that can justify a brief stop or investigation.
While watching: In plain English: Lower legal threshold that can justify a brief stop or investigation. While watching, this is usually about what information the court can consider, what the lawyers are asking the judge to do, or whether evidence can be used.
Theft and property
Short version: An offense covering buying, receiving, possessing, concealing, or helping conceal property known or reasonably believed to be stolen, embezzled, or converted.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation is not necessarily that someone stole the item; it is that they handled or hid property knowing, or having reason to know or believe, it was stolen. Listen for the alleged conduct, knowledge, property value, and case outcome.
Enhancements
Short version: Person treated as a repeat offender under a recidivist statute or policy.
While watching: In plain English: Person treated as a repeat offender under a recidivist statute or policy. While watching, this usually matters because prior history or special allegations can raise the stakes of a case.
Traffic and driving
Short version: This is a felony charge alleging that a person drove with willful or wanton disregard for safety and caused another person's death.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation is that reckless driving caused a death; listen for the claimed driving conduct and evidence connecting it to the death, because a charge is not a conviction.
Violence
Short version: Reckless endangerment means creating a substantial risk of serious bodily injury or death; the offense level can depend on the circumstances, including firearm use.
While watching: In plain English: This charge focuses on putting someone at serious risk, even if no one is ultimately hurt. The alleged circumstances can affect how the offense is classified.
Impaired driving
Short version: A lawfully arrested DUI suspect who receives the required warnings and then refuses a requested chemical or physical test can face a separate refusal charge.
While watching: In plain English: this is different from the DUI allegation itself and can bring separate criminal and driver-license consequences if the legal conditions for the requested test were met.
Court procedure
Short version: Scheduling a case for another date.
While watching: In plain English: Scheduling a case for another date. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: Structured live-in treatment program ordered or considered by the court.
While watching: In plain English: Structured live-in treatment program ordered or considered by the court. While watching, this usually tells you what the court expects the person to do outside the courtroom.
Property and public order
Short version: Offense involving resistance to or obstruction of police or public officers.
While watching: In plain English: Offense involving resistance to or obstruction of police or public officers. While watching, this usually involves damage, disorder, trespass, public safety, or courtroom concerns about future behavior.
Violence
Short version: An allegation that a person knowingly and willfully resisted, obstructed, or opposed a covered officer by offering or doing violence.
While watching: In plain English: This is not the same as refusing to comply without violence; listen for evidence of an offer or act of violence, the officer's official duties, and the court's actual findings or plea.
Property and public order
Short version: In Florida, this is a first-degree misdemeanor allegation that someone resisted, obstructed, or opposed an officer lawfully performing a duty without offering or doing violence to the officer.
While watching: In plain English: This alleges nonviolent interference with an officer's lawful work. It is distinct from an allegation that the person used violence against the officer.
Sentencing and money
Short version: Money ordered to compensate a victim for loss caused by the offense.
While watching: In plain English: Money ordered to compensate a victim for loss caused by the offense. While watching, this usually affects what someone owes, who gets paid back, and what financial conditions the court imposes.
Theft and property
Short version: Theft or attempted theft from a store, often including price switching or concealment.
While watching: In plain English: Theft or attempted theft from a store, often including price switching or concealment. While watching, this usually involves allegations about taking, keeping, damaging, or misusing property.
Lawyers and rights
Short version: Lawyer hired privately by a party.
While watching: In plain English: Lawyer hired privately by a party. While watching, this usually affects whether the person understands their rights, has counsel, or is choosing to speak or act without a lawyer.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: Ending probation, parole, or release because of violations, often leading to custody or new terms.
While watching: In plain English: Ending probation, parole, or release because of violations, often leading to custody or new terms. While watching, this usually affects what punishment or supervision the person receives and what happens if they do not follow the rules.
Theft and property
Short version: Taking property from a person by force, threat, or intimidation.
While watching: In plain English: Taking property from a person by force, threat, or intimidation. While watching, this usually involves allegations about taking, keeping, damaging, or misusing property.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: Texas shorthand for a Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility, a secure treatment placement operated within the state corrections system.
While watching: In plain English: The court is discussing a structured in-custody substance-use treatment placement, not ordinary outpatient counseling. Listen for the commitment length, eligibility, and what supervision follows.
Fraud and financial
Short version: In Florida, a scheme to defraud is a systematic or ongoing course of conduct intended to obtain property by false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, promises, or willful misrepresentations of future acts.
While watching: In plain English: This is a specific fraud allegation about an organized plan to obtain property through deception; a charge does not establish that the plan occurred.
Release conditions
Short version: A Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring device or program that uses an ankle-worn monitor to measure alcohol exposure over time.
While watching: In plain English: This is continuous alcohol monitoring, often as a release or supervision condition. Listen for the wear period, testing rules, fees, and what the court says about alerts or violations.
Evidence and motions
Short version: Legal area covering government searches, stops, arrests, and taking of property.
While watching: In plain English: Legal area covering government searches, stops, arrests, and taking of property. While watching, this is usually about what information the court can consider, what the lawyers are asking the judge to do, or whether evidence can be used.
Evidence and motions
Short version: A limited warrantless search connected to a lawful arrest and justified by safety or evidence-preservation concerns.
While watching: In plain English: Lawyers may argue that an arrest allowed a limited search, but the judge must still decide whether the search fit the rule and the facts.
Violence
Short version: Under Florida law, a person with a qualifying prior battery conviction who commits another battery can face a third-degree felony charge.
While watching: In plain English: The words signal that a prior qualifying battery is alleged to raise what is usually a misdemeanor battery to a felony. It is still an accusation until the case is resolved.
Sentencing and custody
Short version: Credit against a sentence for time already spent in custody.
While watching: In plain English: Credit against a sentence for time already spent in custody. While watching, this usually affects how jail or prison time is calculated and whether different sentences overlap or stack.
Court procedure
Short version: Hearing where the court imposes punishment after conviction or plea.
While watching: In plain English: Hearing where the court imposes punishment after conviction or plea. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Court procedure
Short version: Rules or scoring systems that help courts frame possible sentences.
While watching: In plain English: Rules or scoring systems that help courts frame possible sentences. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Records and relief
Short version: A court order that sets aside a conviction or record under state law.
While watching: In plain English: A court order that sets aside a conviction or record under state law. While watching, this usually comes up when someone is asking the court to limit the effect of an old case or clean up a record under state law.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: Legal duty for certain sex-offense convictions to register with authorities.
While watching: In plain English: Legal duty for certain sex-offense convictions to register with authorities. While watching, remember that these words may describe allegations, charges, or convictions depending on the posture of the case. The court is often focused on bond, safety conditions, plea issues, sentencing, or supervision.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: Nonconsensual sexual contact or penetration offense, defined by state law.
While watching: In plain English: Nonconsensual sexual contact or penetration offense, defined by state law. While watching, remember that these words may describe allegations, charges, or convictions depending on the posture of the case. The court is often focused on bond, safety conditions, plea issues, sentencing, or supervision.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: This is a statutory sexual-assault offense involving the conduct and age circumstances specified for a child.
While watching: In plain English: This is distinct from the general and aggravated sexual-assault entries; listen for the exact statute, the court's finding, and whether the hearing concerns a charge, a plea, or a later probation decision.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: An offense involving a performance that includes sexual conduct by a child younger than 18, with liability depending on the conduct specified by statute.
While watching: In plain English: This is a specific charge separate from possession of prohibited material. It remains an allegation unless the court states that it found guilt.
Bond and release
Short version: Bond secured by a signed promise rather than immediate cash.
While watching: In plain English: Bond secured by a signed promise rather than immediate cash. While watching, this is usually about whether the person stays in custody, goes home, and what rules they must follow while the case is still moving.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: A substance-free residence that provides structure and peer support while a person builds stability in recovery.
While watching: In plain English: It is a place to live in a drug- and alcohol-free setting, often after residential treatment or while someone is on probation, parole, or community control. Rules and services vary, and a sober living home is not necessarily a licensed treatment facility. While watching, the court may discuss it as part of a release, supervision, or treatment plan.
Release conditions
Short version: Remote breath-testing system used to monitor alcohol use.
While watching: In plain English: Remote breath-testing system used to monitor alcohol use. While watching, these are the rules someone must follow if the court allows them to stay out of custody.
Alternative resolution
Short version: Specialized docket for alcohol or impaired-driving cases with testing and treatment.
While watching: In plain English: Specialized docket for alcohol or impaired-driving cases with testing and treatment. While watching, this usually matters because it can give the person a path to resolve the case through treatment, supervision, or conditions instead of the usual conviction-and-sentence track.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: A Michigan notice that an offense may carry duties under the Sex Offenders Registration Act.
While watching: In plain English: SORA is Michigan's Sex Offenders Registration Act. A SORA notice alerts the defendant that a charge or conviction may require sex-offender registration and explains related obligations or consequences. While watching, listen for whether registration applies, the tier or length of registration, and the duties the court says must be followed.
Traffic and driving
Short version: Driving faster than the legal or posted speed.
While watching: In plain English: Driving faster than the legal or posted speed. While watching, this usually involves driving conduct, licensing, crashes, or traffic-related public safety concerns.
Violence
Short version: Pattern of unwanted following, contact, or harassment causing fear or distress.
While watching: In plain English: Pattern of unwanted following, contact, or harassment causing fear or distress. While watching, this usually affects bond, no-contact orders, safety planning, plea negotiations, and sentencing.
Impaired driving
Short version: A three-test roadside battery that includes horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand tests.
While watching: In plain English: An officer uses these observations in an impaired-driving investigation. The tests are evidence discussed in court, not a final finding of impairment by themselves.
Charge level
Short version: A Texas felony classification whose ordinary statutory punishment range is 180 days to two years in a state jail, with a possible fine, unless another rule changes how it is punished.
While watching: In plain English: This is a specific Texas felony level, not a reference to any felony served in a state jail; listen for reductions, enhancements, prior convictions, and community-supervision eligibility.
Release conditions
Short version: Order requiring a person to avoid a place or person.
While watching: In plain English: Order requiring a person to avoid a place or person. While watching, these are the rules someone must follow if the court allows them to stay out of custody.
Evidence and motions
Short version: An agreement allowing specified evidence or expected testimony to be accepted without calling witnesses to give live testimony.
While watching: In plain English: The parties may agree that written reports, statements, or other proof can be considered without witnesses appearing in court; listen for the defendant's waiver of confrontation and cross-examination rights.
Violence
Short version: Offense or allegation involving pressure to the neck or impaired breathing.
While watching: In plain English: Offense or allegation involving pressure to the neck or impaired breathing. While watching, this usually affects bond, no-contact orders, safety planning, plea negotiations, and sentencing.
Evidence and motions
Short version: Court order requiring a person to appear or produce records.
While watching: In plain English: Court order requiring a person to appear or produce records. While watching, this is usually about what information the court can consider, what the lawyers are asking the judge to do, or whether evidence can be used.
Court procedure
Short version: In Michigan civil cases, summary disposition is a request for the court to decide a claim or defense under Michigan Court Rule 2.116 without a full trial.
While watching: In plain English: One side is asking the court to resolve part or all of the case now, often because the rule says the pleadings or evidence leave no genuine factual dispute to try.
Evidence and motions
Short version: Hearing on whether evidence should be excluded.
While watching: In plain English: Hearing on whether evidence should be excluded. While watching, this is usually about what information the court can consider, what the lawyers are asking the judge to do, or whether evidence can be used.
Bond and release
Short version: Bond backed by another person or bonding company.
While watching: In plain English: Bond backed by another person or bonding company. While watching, this is usually about whether the person stays in custody, goes home, and what rules they must follow while the case is still moving.
Sentencing and custody
Short version: A sentence the court imposes but holds in whole or in part on conditions, so it may be ordered into effect if those conditions are violated.
While watching: In plain English: The person may avoid serving some or all of the custody sentence while they follow court rules. The exact trigger and amount that can be imposed depend on the order and local law.
Integrity offenses
Short version: Altering, hiding, destroying, or fabricating evidence.
While watching: In plain English: Altering, hiding, destroying, or fabricating evidence. While watching, these terms usually involve alleged interference with the court process, witnesses, evidence, or public officials.
Fraud and financial
Short version: An Ohio offense involving fraud-related falsifying, destroying, hiding, altering, or using a record without privilege.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation concerns changing, hiding, destroying, or using a record to carry out or assist a fraud; listen for what record was involved, what was allegedly done to it, and the claimed intent.
Custody and jail
Short version: The Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the state agency responsible for prisons, state jails, and related correctional functions.
While watching: In plain English: TDCJ usually means Texas's state corrections system. Listen for whether the court is discussing state-jail time, prison time, parole, or a particular TDCJ program or unit.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: In Michigan, a probation-rule violation that falls within the statutory technical-violation definition rather than specified excluded conduct such as a new law violation or absconding.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation is about breaking a probation rule classified as technical, not automatically committing a new crime; listen for the conduct, prior technical violations, statutory exclusions, and the available sanction.
Violence
Short version: Terrorizing is a felony involving a threat of violence or dangerous act intended, or recklessly likely, to cause fear or serious disruption, or a knowingly false report of imminent danger.
While watching: In plain English: The charge concerns threats or false danger reports meant to frighten people or cause a major disruption. The transcript's domestic-violence label reflects the alleged relationship context and does not establish guilt.
Theft and property
Short version: Taking property without legal right.
While watching: In plain English: Taking property without legal right. While watching, this usually involves allegations about taking, keeping, damaging, or misusing property.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: A Texas substance-use treatment program using therapeutic, non-punitive methods to help participants change addictive behavior patterns.
While watching: In plain English: The court may be asking corrections to consider a structured substance-use program; the request alone does not decide placement, release, or successful completion.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: A Texas offense involving an intentional threat to disclose another person's intimate visual material without consent in order to obtain a benefit as specified by statute.
While watching: In plain English: This concerns an alleged threat involving private intimate images, not a finding that material was published; listen for whether the allegation concerns a threat, actual disclosure, or online promotion.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: An Ohio statutory registration classification for specified sex or child-victim offenses, with periodic address verification duties while registration is required.
While watching: In plain English: This is a registration tier, not a separate new charge. In Ohio, Tier II status carries 180-day address verification while the registration duty applies, so listen for the court's stated tier and registration instructions.
Sentencing and custody
Short version: A sentence satisfied by time the defendant has already spent in custody.
While watching: In plain English: A sentence satisfied by time the defendant has already spent in custody. While watching, this usually affects how jail or prison time is calculated and whether different sentences overlap or stack.
Traffic and driving
Short version: Violation of traffic law, sometimes civil and sometimes criminal.
While watching: In plain English: Violation of traffic law, sometimes civil and sometimes criminal. While watching, this usually involves driving conduct, licensing, crashes, or traffic-related public safety concerns.
Custody and jail
Short version: In Louisiana, a Transitional Work Program is a structured setting in which an incarcerated person serves the remainder of a sentence while preparing to return to work.
While watching: In plain English: The person remains in custody but may work an approved job while living in a supervised facility. It is not the same as an automatic parole release.
Warrants and custody
Short version: Order arranging movement of a person between facilities or jurisdictions.
While watching: In plain English: Order arranging movement of a person between facilities or jurisdictions. While watching, this usually means the court is dealing with arrest authority, missed court, holds, or whether someone is going into custody.
Property and public order
Short version: Under Michigan law, this offense involves knowingly transporting, causing transport, or helping obtain transportation for a person for prostitution or to induce, entice, or compel prostitution.
While watching: In plain English: This is a specific Michigan allegation about arranging or providing transportation for prostitution-related purposes, not a conclusion that the allegation was proven.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: A Bexar County screening, assessment, and referral program that identifies probationers with substance-use treatment needs and connects them with treatment resources instead of incarceration when appropriate.
While watching: In plain English: This assessment helps determine whether treatment is appropriate and what services may be recommended; listen for the referral, any recommended program, and the court's specific order.
Alternative resolution
Short version: Specialized docket that uses court oversight to support treatment compliance.
While watching: In plain English: Specialized docket that uses court oversight to support treatment compliance. While watching, this usually matters because it can give the person a path to resolve the case through treatment, supervision, or conditions instead of the usual conviction-and-sentence track.
Property and public order
Short version: Entering or remaining on property without permission.
While watching: In plain English: Entering or remaining on property without permission. While watching, this usually involves damage, disorder, trespass, public safety, or courtroom concerns about future behavior.
Property and public order
Short version: In Ohio, this is a felony trespass offense involving a permanent or temporary habitation where someone other than an accomplice is present or likely to be present.
While watching: In plain English: This is more specific than ordinary trespass because it concerns entry into a habitation under circumstances defined by Ohio law; listen for the charge level and the court's finding.
Court procedure
Short version: Review of whether lawyers, witnesses, discovery, and motions are ready for trial.
While watching: In plain English: Review of whether lawyers, witnesses, discovery, and motions are ready for trial. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Court procedure
Short version: A hearing or order placing a case on a trial calendar.
While watching: In plain English: A hearing or order placing a case on a trial calendar. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Theft and property
Short version: A Texas offense involving intentionally or knowingly operating another person's boat, airplane, or motor-propelled vehicle without the owner's effective consent.
While watching: In plain English: The allegation is unauthorized operation of someone else's vehicle; listen for consent and the accused person's knowledge or intent rather than assuming the charge is ordinary theft.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: In Florida, this is a charge alleging that a person age 24 or older engaged in the statute's defined sexual activity with a person age 16 or 17.
While watching: In plain English: In Florida, this is a specific charge with age requirements set by statute; an allegation or amended charge is not a conviction.
Child and sex offenses
Short version: In Kentucky, this felony covers knowingly inducing, assisting, or causing a minor to engage in specified illegal activity, including marijuana-related controlled-substance activity, illegal gambling, or another felony.
While watching: In plain English: This charge is about an adult allegedly involving a minor in certain illegal activity. The particular conduct still has to be proved under Kentucky's statute.
Traffic and driving
Short version: This misdemeanor can involve lending a registration plate to someone not entitled to use it or displaying a plate not issued for the vehicle or otherwise lawfully used.
While watching: In plain English: This is a plate-use allegation, such as using a license plate on a vehicle it was not issued for, rather than merely having an expired registration.
Sentencing and supervision
Short version: Court shorthand indicating that probation or parole ended without being recorded as successfully completed.
While watching: In plain English: The period of supervision has ended, but the person did not complete it satisfactorily. That can reflect violations, unmet conditions, unpaid obligations, or another unsuccessful outcome, depending on the case. While watching, the surrounding explanation matters because the phrase alone does not say exactly what went wrong or whether a new penalty was imposed.
Drug offenses
Short version: In Michigan, using a controlled substance or analogue without a valid prescription, practitioner order, or other legal authorization is a separate offense from possession.
While watching: In plain English: This charge focuses on using a drug rather than simply having it. The statute contains exceptions, so the hearing record and the specific substance matter.
Property and public order
Short version: Intentional damage or defacement of property.
While watching: In plain English: Intentional damage or defacement of property. While watching, this usually involves damage, disorder, trespass, public safety, or courtroom concerns about future behavior.
Impaired driving
Short version: Vehicle immobilization is a court-ordered period when a vehicle cannot be used, which can be required for certain impaired-driving convictions unless the vehicle is forfeited.
While watching: In plain English: The court is restricting use of the vehicle for a set time. That is different from forfeiture, which can permanently transfer ownership of the vehicle.
Alternative resolution
Short version: A veterans treatment court is a supervised treatment program for eligible veterans with substance-use dependency or mental illness.
While watching: In plain English: It is a specialty-court track with treatment, monitoring, and court supervision. It is not simply a benefits determination or an automatic dismissal of the case.
Court roles
Short version: Person alleged to have been harmed by the offense.
While watching: In plain English: Person alleged to have been harmed by the offense. While watching, this helps you track who is speaking, what their job is, and why their position matters in the hearing.
Treatment and conditions
Short version: A program where victims and survivors of impaired-driving crashes describe their experiences, which a court may require as part of a sentence.
While watching: In plain English: This is an educational sentencing program, not the victim impact statement made in a particular case; listen for attendance, completion, cost, and proof-of-completion requirements.
Court procedure
Short version: Statement from a victim or family about the harm caused by the offense.
While watching: In plain English: Statement from a victim or family about the harm caused by the offense. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Release conditions
Short version: In Wisconsin, a harassment restraining order can direct a respondent to avoid specified contact or conduct, and violating the order can be a criminal offense.
While watching: In plain English: A temporary restraining order can impose specific no-contact or conduct limits. The scope depends on the written order, so the exact terms matter.
Release conditions
Short version: This is an allegation that a person violated a court injunction issued to protect against domestic violence.
While watching: In plain English: The case concerns alleged disobedience of a specific domestic-violence protection order; listen for the order, its terms, and the alleged conduct rather than assuming the allegation was proven.
Release conditions
Short version: In Florida, this is a criminal allegation that a person willfully violated a court injunction issued to protect against repeat violence.
While watching: In plain English: The case is about whether someone broke a specific protective order, such as by prohibited contact or another listed act; the allegation still must be proven or admitted.
Release conditions
Short version: A Texas offense involving knowingly or intentionally violating conduct specifically prohibited by a qualifying protective order or bond condition.
While watching: In plain English: The new allegation is that a qualifying order or bond rule was disobeyed; listen for which order applied, the exact prohibited conduct, notice of the order, and the required mental state.
Court procedure
Short version: Giving up a right or agreeing not to require a procedural step.
While watching: In plain English: Giving up a right or agreeing not to require a procedural step. While watching, this usually tells you where the case is in the process and what the judge is setting up next.
Violence
Short version: Wanton endangerment in the first degree involves wantonly creating a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury under circumstances showing extreme indifference to human life.
While watching: In plain English: this charge alleges conduct that created a grave risk to another person, with the level of danger and indifference defined by law.
Warrants and custody
Short version: Court authorization for an arrest, search, or other enforcement action.
While watching: In plain English: Court authorization for an arrest, search, or other enforcement action. While watching, this usually means the court is dealing with arrest authority, missed court, holds, or whether someone is going into custody.
Weapons
Short version: Offense for possessing weapons while legally disqualified.
While watching: In plain English: Offense for possessing weapons while legally disqualified. While watching, this usually raises safety concerns and can affect bond, charge severity, plea options, and sentencing.
Evidence and motions
Short version: Person who gives evidence or testimony.
While watching: In plain English: Person who gives evidence or testimony. While watching, this is usually about what information the court can consider, what the lawyers are asking the judge to do, or whether evidence can be used.
Integrity offenses
Short version: Improperly influencing, threatening, or interfering with a witness.
While watching: In plain English: Improperly influencing, threatening, or interfering with a witness. While watching, these terms usually involve alleged interference with the court process, witnesses, evidence, or public officials.
Custody and jail
Short version: Permission for a person in jail or a workhouse to leave during limited hours for approved employment and then return to custody.
While watching: In plain English: The person is still serving custody time, but the court may let them leave only for approved work and travel; the judge can set or change the conditions.
No terms match that search.
Court terms can vary by state and courtroom. This is viewer context, not legal advice.
