Utah Code 77-2-2. Definitions

As used in this chapter:

(1)	“Commencement of prosecution” means the filing of an information or an indictment.

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.
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.
Process: means a writ or summons issued in the course of a judicial proceeding. See Utah Code 68-3-12.5

(2)

“Diversion” means suspending criminal proceedings before conviction on the condition that a defendant agree to:

(a)	participate in a rehabilitation program;

(b)	pay restitution to a victim; or

(c)	fulfill some other condition.

(3)	“Restitution” means the same as that term is defined in Section 77-38b-102.

(4)

“Screening” means the process used by a prosecuting attorney to:

(a)	terminate an investigative action;

(b)	proceed with prosecution;

(c)	move to dismiss a prosecution that has been commenced; or

(d)	cause a prosecution to be diverted.

Amended by Chapter 260, 2021 General Session