# Legal terms, explained simply

Criminal-law and other legal terms in plain language — so you understand what is happening in your case.

**Accused**
A person charged with a crime in a criminal case. They have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/criminal-defense-lawyer/)

**Convicted person**
A person against whom a court has delivered a guilty verdict.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/criminal-defense-lawyer/)

**Arrest**
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.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/what-to-do-if-detained/)

**Preventive measure**
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.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/bail-and-pretrial-detention-georgia/)

**Bail**
A preventive measure — money or real estate, at least GEL 1,000, that secures the accused's proper conduct.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/bail-and-pretrial-detention-georgia/)

**Pre-trial detention**
The strictest preventive measure, used only when no other measure is enough; the total period may not exceed 9 months.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/bail-and-pretrial-detention-georgia/)

**Plea agreement**
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.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/plea-agreement-in-georgia/)

**Jury trial**
A trial in which jurors selected from among citizens deliver the verdict on guilt.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/criminal-defense-lawyer/)

**Search**
An investigative action to find items or evidence. As a rule it requires a court order; you may see the grounds and the record.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/police-search-your-rights/)

**Investigative action**
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.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/criminal-defense-lawyer/)

**Appeal and cassation**
Challenging a verdict: an appeal goes to the Court of Appeals, a cassation appeal to the Supreme Court, the final instance.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/criminal-defense-lawyer/)

**Self-defence**
Defending yourself or others against an unlawful attack. It is not unlawful as long as the defence is not clearly disproportionate to the attack.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/violent-crime-lawyer/)

**Administrative offence**
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.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/administrative-law-lawyer/)

**Criminal record**
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.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/criminal-defense-lawyer/)

**Victim**
A person harmed by a crime. They have rights in criminal proceedings and can claim compensation.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/criminal-defense-lawyer/)

**Power of attorney**
A document that authorises another person to act on your behalf — for example, to accept an inheritance or sell property.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/georgians-abroad/)

**Apostille**
Certification of a document issued abroad. Depending on the country, an apostille or consular legalisation may be needed — sometimes neither.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/)

**Estate**
The property and obligations of a deceased person. An inheritance must be accepted within 6 months of the estate's opening.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/inheritance-lawyer/)

**Alimony (child support)**
Money a parent pays to support a child. Georgia has no fixed percentage — the amount is set by agreement or by the court.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/alimony-in-georgia/)

**Public Registry**
The state registry where rights to real estate and companies are registered. Ownership arises on registration.
[Learn more](https://mmlaw.ge/en/real-estate-lawyer/)

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Source: https://mmlaw.ge/en/legal-glossary/ · MMLAW · +995 551 00 43 00 · info@mmlaw.ge