Debtor
A person who owes money to someone else
Decedent
Someone who has died
Deed
A legal paper that transfers ownership of real estate. It is recorded in the local land records.
Deed in lieu of foreclosure
When a homeowner gives their home back to the bank to avoid foreclosure
Defamation
A false statement that harms a person's reputation
Default judgment
When a person loses a case because they don't file an appearance or show up in court
Defendant
The person or organization being sued in a lawsuit
Dependent
A person who relies on another for support, such as a child or person with a disability
Deposition
An oral statement made under oath
Dissolution of marriage
Divorce
Docket
A list of everything that happens in a civil case. Also can be used to refer to the court calendar.
Domestic violence
Harm by one household or family member against another household or family member. Harm may be an emotional, mental, or physical injury
Duty
A legal obligation to do something
Denial
When a court rejects or refuses to allow a request; for example, when a judge decides not to grant an attorney's objection.
Disposition
A court’s final decision in a criminal case
Delinquent act
An act committed by a juvenile for which an adult could be prosecuted in a criminal court, but when committed by a juvenile is handled by the juvenile court.
Disorderly conduct
An interruption of the peace, quiet, or order of a community.
Driving under the influence
The operation of any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
Drug abuse violations
The unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, or manufacturing of narcotic drugs.
Drunkenness
Offenses other than driving under the influence which relate to drunkenness or intoxication.
Dismissed
Cases dismissed with no further action anticipated.
Detained
Includes juveniles held prior to a court makes a decision about their case, awaiting transfer to adult criminal court, or awaiting a hearing or trial in adult criminal court.
Diversion
Includes juveniles sent to the facility in lieu of adjudication as part of a diversion agreement.
Delinquency
Amount of back support accumulating after order is entered.
Debt collector
A person or company that regularly collects debts owed to another person
Dispensary
A store that sells cannabis and cannabis-based products
Discovery
When parties exchange and gather information about each other's cases before the case goes to trial
Disability
A substantial impairment that functionally limits a person in carrying out major life activities, such as walking, lifting, seeing, or learning.
