WOAR can help prepare you for the preliminary hearing and help you understand your rights.
Click here to learn more.
WOAR can help prepare you for the preliminary hearing and help you understand your rights.
Click here to learn more.
Assistant District Attorney (A.D.A.): (also called the prosecutor) If a crime has been committed, this is the lawyer who handles the case and represents the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the interests of the victim/survivor.
Bench Warrant: An order from the court to bring in a witness who does not obey the subpoena.
Civil Proceedings: Any action in a court which does not involve a crime or criminal action.
Complainant: The victim/survivor or witness of a crime who takes part in the prosecution of the person(s) accused of committing the crime.
Continuance: Postponement of a hearing or trial.
Defendant: The person accused of committing a crime.
Defense Attorney: The lawyer who represents the defendant in court.
Juvenile/Minor: A person who is under the age of 18.
Preliminary Hearing: Where the facts of the case are brought before the court and the judge determines if there is enough evidence to have a trial. The defendant is not judged guilty or not guilty at this time.
Oath: A sworn statement by a witness that she or he will tell the truth when testifying.
Subpoena: A written notice ordering a person to appear in court.
Testimony/Testify: Statements made by a witness under oath.
Witness: A person who is asked to testify in court.