Terms Used In Alabama Code 30-4-59

  • 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.
  • circuit: means judicial circuit. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
  • year: means a calendar year; but, whenever the word "year" is used in reference to any appropriations for the payment of money out of the treasury, it shall mean fiscal year. See Alabama Code 1-1-1

At the trial on an entry of a plea of guilty, or after conviction and after judgment and sentence has been imposed, as provided in this article, the judge of the juvenile court in the first instance, or the judge of the circuit court on appeal and trial de novo, may, in his discretion, suspend such judgment and sentence, and, having regard to the circumstances and to the financial ability or earning capacity of the defendant, may make an order, which shall be subject to change by the judge of the juvenile court, from time to time, as circumstances may require, directing the defendant to pay a certain sum periodically to the clerk of the juvenile court for the use of the defendant’s wife or for the use of his wife and child or children, or for the use of his child or children, and to release the said defendant from custody on probation, upon his entering into recognizance or bond, with or without surety in the discretion of said judge, in such sum as said judge may order and approve. The conditions of said bond shall be such that if the said defendant shall make his personal appearance in the juvenile court at stated times or whenever ordered to do so by the judge thereof within one year and shall further comply with the terms of such order of support or of any subsequent modification thereof, then such bond or recognizance shall be void, otherwise to remain in full force and effect.