Common Acronyms in Criminal Cases
A defendant charged with a crime is likely nervous, anxious, confused, and stressed. When lawyers speak in acronyms, it can be challenging for a person to understand their charges or potential penalties.

A Defense Lawyer Must Help Their Client Understand the Process
The law is complicated and designed so that knowledgeable and experienced people have the upper hand. Experienced criminal defense lawyers are the best hope for a person accused of a felony or misdemeanor offense. Every case is defensible, and with proper representation, you may be able to avoid a conviction and jail time. A defendant who does not understand the terminology and common acronyms used by lawyers and judges in criminal cases is in jeopardy of making a decision to their detriment. The defense lawyer must patiently explain the nature of the charges, the potential defenses, and the penalties available to the judge at sentencing.

Here are some common acronyms in criminal cases that you may find confusing:
- Assault GBH – Assault with Intent to Great Bodily Harm Less than Murder
- CSC – Criminal Sexual Conduct
- FA – Felonious Assault
- OWI – Operating While Intoxicated
- OWVI – Operating While Visibly Impaired
- DUI – Driving Under the Influence
- OWID – Operating Under the Influence of Drugs
- OWPD – Operating with the Presence of Drugs
- A&B – Assault and Battery
- R&O – Resisting and Obstructing the Police
- OCCC – Oakland County Circuit Court
- MCCC – Macomb County Circuit Court
- WCCC – Wayne County Circuit Court
- FMHOJ – Frank Murphy Hall of Justice
- LCCC – Livingston County Circuit Court
- OCJ – Oakland County Jail
- OCPO – Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office
- MCPO – Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
- LIB – Larceny in a Building
- MDOC – Michigan Department of Corrections
- VOP – Violation of Probation
- PSR – Pre-Sentence Report
- PSIR – Pre-Sentence Investigation Report
- ARR – Arraignment
- LIEN – Law Enforcement Information Network
- AUSA – Assistant United States Attorney
- CAA – Court Appointed Attorney
- APA – Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
- CJS – Criminal Justice System
- A&D – Alcohol and Drugs
- DA – District Attorney
- PO – Parole Officer
- PO – Probation Officer
- OIC – Officer in Charge
- PV – Probation Violation Hearing
- SORA – Sex Offender Registration Act
- FTA – Failure to Appear
- BW – Bench Warrant
- ROR – Release on Own Recognizance
- AOI – Arraignment on Information
- DIP – Drunk in Public
- FCJ – Failure to Comply with Judgment
- CSI – Crime Scene Investigator
- SVU – Special Victim’s Unit

Criminal Defense Attorneys Who Know the Law and Know How to Win
If you or a loved one is charged with a crime or accused of a criminal offense, please call LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. for a free consultation. One of our expert criminal defense attorneys will gladly take the time to patiently listen to your story and develop a plan to help you. We have decades of experience and an unparalleled track record of success in defending clients with felony and misdemeanor charges in courts throughout Michigan.
Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete a Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.