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 it is designed so that those who are knowledgeable and experienced have the upper hand. Experienced criminal defense lawyers are the best hope of 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
BW – Bench Warrant
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 assisting 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.