Police Dept

Police Department

Common Terms

Bond Hearing: The hearing held by a Judge in order to determine the amount of bond required for the release of an offender. Preliminary Hearing: The preliminary is held prior to the trial for the purpose of verifying that probable cause existed to effect the arrest of the person charged. Bench Trial: If you choose a bench trial, your case will be heard and decided by a judge rather than a jury. The arresting officer and the defendant will be given the opportunity to tell their sides of the story. The judge will then make a decision as to the guilt or innocence of the defendant. Jury Trial: If you chose to be tried by a jury, you or your attorney will represent you during the trial. After the jury has heard all the testimony and evidence from both sides, they will make a decision of guilty or not guilty. Uniform Traffic Ticket: A blue summons issued for a violation of a traffic law. This summons may also be issued for a misdemeanor criminal offense unrelated to traffic laws. The summons documents the charge, the fine, the court date and the officer that made the arrest or issued the summons.

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