Terms Used In Alabama Code 12-22-244

  • Affirmed: In the practice of the appellate courts, the decree or order is declared valid and will stand as rendered in the lower court.
  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
  • Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. Source:
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.

When the defendant in a case of misdemeanor or felony is sentenced to hard labor, imprisonment or to the penitentiary, gives bail pending the appeal and the judgment of conviction is affirmed or the appeal is dismissed, he is bound by the undertaking of bail to surrender himself to the sheriff, at the county jail, within 15 days from the date of such affirmance or dismissal. If he shall fail to do so, the sheriff must endorse the bail bond forfeited, and a writ of arrest must be issued by the clerk; if not executed, another must be issued, and so on until the judgment has been executed. If the defendant is taken on such writ or if he shall surrender himself to the sheriff, the sentence must, without delay, be carried out as if no appeal had been taken.