Legal terms, explained simply

A person charged with a crime in a criminal case. They have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer.

A person against whom a court has delivered a guilty verdict.

A short-term restriction of a person's liberty. A charge must be brought within 48 hours of arrest, and the person brought before a court within the next 24 hours.

A measure the court imposes on the accused before trial: bail, an agreement not to leave and to behave properly, a personal guarantee, or detention.

A preventive measure — money or real estate, at least GEL 1,000, that secures the accused's proper conduct.

The strictest preventive measure, used only when no other measure is enough; the total period may not exceed 9 months.

An agreement between the prosecution and the accused: the accused admits guilt in exchange for an agreed sentence or a lighter charge. The court gives its verdict without a full trial.

A trial in which jurors selected from among citizens deliver the verdict on guilt.

An investigative action to find items or evidence. As a rule it requires a court order; you may see the grounds and the record.

An action carried out during an investigation — such as a search, seizure, forensic examination or questioning. Checking its lawfulness is an important part of the defence.

Challenging a verdict: an appeal goes to the Court of Appeals, a cassation appeal to the Supreme Court, the final instance.

Defending yourself or others against an unlawful attack. It is not unlawful as long as the defence is not clearly disproportionate to the attack.

A breach of law that is not a crime and is punished by a fine, suspension of a right or administrative detention — for example, drunk driving.

The legal consequence of a guilty verdict that stays with a person for a certain time. A plea agreement also results in a criminal record.

A person harmed by a crime. They have rights in criminal proceedings and can claim compensation.

A document that authorises another person to act on your behalf — for example, to accept an inheritance or sell property.

Certification of a document issued abroad. Depending on the country, an apostille or consular legalisation may be needed — sometimes neither.

The property and obligations of a deceased person. An inheritance must be accepted within 6 months of the estate's opening.

Money a parent pays to support a child. Georgia has no fixed percentage — the amount is set by agreement or by the court.

The state registry where rights to real estate and companies are registered. Ownership arises on registration.