Adult Probation >Victim Services > Victims Rights Glossary Victims Rights Glossary A.R.S. Arizona Revised Statutes. Absentia Proceeding held without defendant being present. Absconder An offender who fails to report for probation, parole, or aftercare supervision and whose whereabouts are unknown. Accessory Not the actual perpetrator of a felony, but one who was concerned with the commission of it. Accessory After the Fact One who having full knowledge that a felony has been committed; conceals it, harbors, assists, or protects the person sought for or convicted of the crime. Accessory Before the Fact One who having being absent at the time a crime is committed; assists, counsels, cites, encourages, engages, or commands another to commit the crime. Accessory During the Fact One who fails to interfere or give such help as may be in his power to prevent the commission of a criminal offense. Accumulative Sentence A sentence passed before the first has expired to commence upon the expiration of the first. Accused A person or entity blamed for or accused of committing a crime. Active Case A case for which a probation or parole service has been initiated and has not been terminated. Active Supervision A classification for the differential supervision of probationers/parolees in which a minimum number of personal contacts and collateral contacts are required per month. Acquittal (Acquitted) Finding a criminal defendant not guilty of the charge against him/her. Admissibilty The ability to legally and properly introduce relevant evidence. Addict Any person who regularly use any habit-forming narcotic drug so as to endanger the public morals, health, safety, or welfare, or who is or has been addicted to the use of such habit-forming drugs as to have lost the power of self-control with reference to his addiction. Addiction A state of utter dependence on a drug or drugs for a sense of physical and mental well-being. Addiction includes habituation. Adjournment The putting off or postponing a matter pending before the court until another specified time. Sometimes referred to as a continuance. Adjudicate The act of giving a judicial ruling such as a judgment or decree. Adjudication The court act or process of trying and determining issues pending before it. The pronouncement of a judgment or decision. Affidavit A voluntary statement or declaration of facts, which has been written down or confirmed under oath. Affidavits can be administered by Judges and notary publics; or by anyone allowed under oath to do so. Aggravating Curcumstances Circumstances which heighten, intensify of worsen a crime the court must consider in sentencing a defendant, such as, the infliction of serious injury, use or threatened use of a deadly weapon, the value of property damaged, presence of an accomplice, etc. Aggravating Hearing A pre-sentence hearing to consider circumstances which may enhance or increase the degree of moral culpability or the term of sentence. Alford Plea Defendant basically states, "I didn't do it, but I would probably be convicted if I went to trial." Allegation An assertion, declaration, or statement made in a pleading by one of the parties to the action and detailing the matters which the party intends to prove. Allegation of Prior Conviction A document filed by the State alleging that the defendant has been previously convicted of a crime. Answer Written response in a civil case; in it the defendant admits or denies allegations made by the plaintiff. Appeal The process by which a defendant requests a higher court reviews his conviction. Appellate Jurisdiction The authority of a court to review the decisions of other courts and upholds, reverse, modify, or return them to a lower court for review. Arbitration A process for deciding a legal dispute out of court. In Maricopa County, all civil cases which seek a judgment of $50,000 or less must go to arbitration. Where arbitration produces a settlement, there is no need for litigants to incur the cost of trial. Arraignment Criminal proceeding in which the defendant, in open court, must answer criminal charges by entering a plea of guilty or not guilty. Defendant either must be represented by a lawyer or waive his/her right to legal counsel. Arrest The process of taking a person accused of a crime into custody by a law enforcement officer. Assault Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing injury to another person, placing another person in apprehension of imminent physical injury, or knowingly touching another person with intent to injure, insult, or provoke. Assault becomes a felony if:

1. Causes serious physical injury.
2. Uses a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
3. Enters someone's home with the intent to commit the assault.
4. If the victim is a peace officer, teacher, or an employee of a detention facility where the offender is incarcerated.
5. If the victim is bound or physically restrained or physically impaired.

Attorney of Record Attorney whose name appears on the permanent records and files of a particular case. Initially, the attorney must file a Notice of Appearance with the Court.