Criminal Law terms starting with D

6 terms

1. Departure A judge can sentence a defendant to a term of imprisonment which is greater or lesser than the applicable sentencing range in the U.S.
2. Detention hearing Under the Bail Reform Act, a hearing may be held in cases involving defendants who are charged with serious felonies or whose record indicates that they…
3. Direct examination The first questioning of witnesses by the party on whose behalf they are called.
4. Discovery This is when the Court orders each party (each side) to give each other information about the facts before the trial, to avoid surprise.
5. Dismissal Process by which a court will terminate a case. With Prejudice - cannot refile. Without Prejudice - can refile at a later date.
6. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) A federal law enforcement agency with primary responsibility for investigating drug cases. The DEA is part of the Justice Department.