Terms Used In Alabama Code 15-15-25

  • 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,
  • Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
  • Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.

If the court, after hearing a plea of guilty by a defendant and the testimony offered, is of opinion that no offense has been committed or is not satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty, then the court may order the defendant recommitted to jail to await the action of the grand jury, may release the defendant on bond in an amount to be fixed by the court or may order the defendant to be discharged.