§ 1 Definitions
§ 2 Jurisdiction of court
§ 3 Screening of defendants; continuance
§ 4 Inapplicability of chapter to certain persons; exceptions
§ 5 Assessment report; recommendations; final determination; stay of criminal proceedings
§ 6 Violations by defendant; hearing; termination of stay
§ 7 Expiration of stay or continuance; report of successful completion or recommendation of extension
§ 10 Diversion of veterans, persons on active service in the armed forces or persons with history of military service
§ 11 Continuance for veterans, persons on active service in the armed forces or persons with history of military service for assessment and advisement by state or federal agency having knowledge and experience in veterans affairs
§ 12 Discretionary authority to divert offender not limited by this chapter or Chapter 276B

Terms Used In Massachusetts General Laws > Chapter 276A - District Court Pretrial Diversion of Selected Offenders

  • 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.
  • Arraignment: A proceeding in which an individual who is accused of committing a crime is brought into court, told of the charges, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Continuance: Putting off of a hearing ot trial until a later time.
  • 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:
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • 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.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
  • Probation officers: Screen applicants for pretrial release and monitor convicted offenders released under court supervision.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.