Glossary

A check that is dishonored on presentation because of insufficient funds (NSF), unavailable funds, or a closed bank account. Issuing a bad check is a form or larceny (theft).

A debt that is not collectible and is therefore worthless to the creditor.

An amount of money set by a judge at an initial appearance to ensure the return of an accused at subsequent proceedings.

The charges against the defendant are dropped. Not enough evidence to convict.

Defendant allowed to forfeit bail and is found guilty of the offense charged.

The unlawful touching of or use of force on another person willfully or in anger. Battery may be considered either a tort, giving rise to civil liability for damages to the victim or a crime. Compare assault.

Trial by judge, without jury.

A court order for the arrest of a person; commonly issued to compel a person's attendance before the court to answer a charge of contempt or if a witness or a defendant fails to attend after a subpoena has been duly served.

An illegal demand for money or property under threat of harm or exposure of undesirable acts.

A specimen submitted to a laboratory for quality control testing purposes, with a fictitious identifier, so that the laboratory cannot distinguish it from an employee specimen.

A certificate of obligation either unsecured or secured with collateral, to pay a specified amount of money within a specified period of time.

The permanent loss of property (money in this case) for failure to comply with the law. Interest is accrued. This is not a conviction, nor a finding of innocence.

An operation with the purpose of placing, registering, paying off or collecting debts for bets.

Court finds probable cause exists to believe the accused committed the offense charged and binds the charge over to superior court.

Failure to perform some contracted-for or agreed-upon act or to comply with a legal duty owed to another or to society.

A wrongful nonperformance of any contractual duty of immediate performance; failing to perform acts promised, by hindering or preventing such performance or by repudiating the duty to perform.

Two of the elements necessary to constitute a burglary, consisting of the use of physical force, however slight, to remove an obstruction to an entrance. For example, pushing open a door that is ajar, followed by unauthorized entry into a building, is sufficient to constitute the breaking and entering elements of a burglary.

The voluntary giving of something of value to influence the performance of an official duty.

Possessing of any tool, instrument or other article adapted or commonly used for committing any form of burglary.