Crime Jargon Buster

Acronyms

ADI: Advanced Information

CDS: Criminal Defence Service

CPS: Crown Prosecution Service

JIC: Judge in Chambers

LSC: Legal Services Commission

NFA: No Further Action

PBV: Plea Before Venue

PCMH: Plea and Case Management Hearing

PSR: Pre-Sentence Reports

PTR: Pre-Trial Review

QC: Queen's Counsel (Changes to KC if a ruling monarch is a King)

RO: Representation Order (Also known as Legal Aid)

SQM: Specialist Quality Mark

Terms

Bad Character: In a trial, a defendant's previous blemishes could be a factor that the court uses to determine guilt.

Bail: This can relate to the police station or courts. There may be reasonable conditions imposed and sureties may be involved

Totting up: The process of adding points accumulated on a driving licence. If the total is 12 or more, this normally results in disqualification.

Summary Only: The case is triable only in a Youth / Magistrates Court. These courts have limited powers of sentencing.

Either Way: Triable in the Magistrates / Youth Courts or at the Crown Court. Prosecution or Defence can state a preference.

Indictable Only: The case can only be tried at the Crown Court. There is normally one initial appearance in the Magistrates / Youth Court before it is transferred to the Crown Court.