There are currently 40 names in this directory beginning with the letter D.
Damages
Monetary compensation that the law awards to one who has been injured by the action of another;
Dangerous Weapon (or Instrument)
Almost any device that has the potential to cause serious bodily injury or endanger life.
De-Novo
Latin for ,anew, or ,afresh., Usually used as Trial De Novo. New trial, or one that is held for a second time, as if there had been no previous trial or decision.
Deadly Weapon
Any device capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. An instrument may be intrinsically deadly, as a knife or pistol, or deadly because of the way it is used, as a wrench or hammer.
Debtor
One who owes another anything, or is under obligation, arising from express agreement, implication of law, or principles of natural justice, to pay money or to fulfill some other obligation; in bankruptcy or similar proceedings, the person who is the subject of the proceedings.
Default Judgment
1. A judgment against defendant who has failed to respond to plaintiff's action or to appear at the trial or hearing; 2. Judgment given without the defendant being heard in his own defense.
Deferred Adjudication of Guilt
The final judgment is delayed for a period of time. Can be likened to probation before a final verdict. If, probation, is completed without the incident, the charges are usually dropped and the case if dismissed. During the, probationary period the disposition is not necessarily considered a conviction.
Deferred Probation
The judge doesn't make a finding of guilt; he assigns probation. If probation is completed with incident, the charges are usually dropped.
Deferred Sentence
Defendant found to have committed the crime, conditions imposed and now awaits sentencing on final outcome.
Degree (First, Second, or Third, A, B, or C)
Classification assigned to a crime, depending on circumstances, for purposes of determining punishment. First degree is considered more serious than third; A is more serious that C. Degrees may be assigned to the actual crime (IE murder in the first or second degree) or the class of crimes (IE felony or misdemeanor).
Directed Verdict
A determination by a jury, made at the direction of the judge. A directed verdict happens in cases where there has been a lack of evidence, an overwhelming amount of evidence, or where the law is in favor of one of the parties.
Discharge
1. To satisfy or dismiss the obligations of contract or debt; 2. The method by which a legal duty is extinguished.
Disclosure
Refers to the document and the process of informing an applicant/employee that they will be the subject of a background report.
Dismissal
Finally disposing of the cause without further consideration. May be voluntary or involuntary. When involuntary, there is usually lack of prosecution or failure to produce sufficient evidence.
Dismissal Without Leave After Deferred
Prosecution Charges dismissed after specified time (90 days to 1 year) provided certain conditions have been met such as participating in specified program of anger control or drug counseling or providing community service, etc.
Dismissed
The judge orders the disposing of an action without trial of the issues involved or without any further consideration or hearing.
Dismissed Without Prejudice
Such a dismissal is not on the merits and does not bar a subsequent suit on the same cause of action, nor affect any right or remedy of the parties.
Disorderly Conduct
Broadly signifies conduct that tends to breach the peace or endangers the morals, safety or health of the community.
Disposed/Disposition
The final settlement in the matter. Examples of disposed cases are those with a finding or guilt (conviction), innocence, or acquittal. District Court having jurisdiction over a territorial district.
Diversion Granted
Pre-trial intervention, first-time or petty criminal offenders are not subjected to the regular judicial process, usually placed on probation for no more than 1 yr. Not an admission of guilt or a conviction.
Diversion Program
To set aside. A court direction which calls a defendant, who has been found guilty, to attend a work or educational program as part of probation. May include some type of anger management, drug rehab, etc. If the condition of program is met, charge may be considered a non-conviction.
Diversity of Citizenship
A crime of claim which extends between citizens of different states. This is one of the grounds that can be used to invoke the jurisdiction of the U.S. Federal District Court.
DMV Hold
The court notifies the Department of Motor Vehicles for non-compliancy in criminal cases to place a hold for renewing a driver's license or car registration until the criminal matters are taken care of.
Due Diligence
A reasonable and expected measure of attention taken for a particular action. Not measurable by an absolute standard, but dependent on the situation.
Due Process of Law
Procedures followed by law enforcement and courts to insure the protection of an individual's right as assigned by the Constitution.
