Terms Used In Alabama Code 15-10-30

  • 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.
  • Capital offense: A crime punishable by death.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Grand jury: agreement providing that a lender will delay exercising its rights (in the case of a mortgage,
  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.

After an indictment has been returned by the grand jury, the court may order any defendant who is present and who has not been arrested to be taken into custody without process. When the defendant has given bail prior to the return of an indictment against him for a capital offense, the court may, in its discretion, likewise order him into custody.