Common Legal Terms You Should Know Before Going to Court

March 17, 2025

Common Legal Terms You Should Know Before Going to Court


Let’s face it — legal jargon can feel like a foreign language. If you’ve ever sat in a courtroom or spoken with a lawyer and thought, “What does that even mean?”, you’re not alone. Whether you're facing a criminal charge, involved in a family law case, or simply want to better understand how the legal system works, knowing some basic legal terms can help reduce stress and boost your confidence.


At Coppins Law Group, we make it a priority to help our clients feel informed and empowered at every stage of their case. So, let’s break down some of the most commonly used legal terms and what they really mean — in plain English.


Arraignment

This is typically your first court appearance after being charged with a crime. During your arraignment, the judge will tell you what you’re being charged with, remind you of your rights, and ask you to enter a plea — usually “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest.” It’s also when the court decides on your bond and whether you’ll remain in custody or be released.


Appeal

If you believe the court made a mistake in your case — whether it was during trial, sentencing, or even a legal ruling — you may have the right to appeal. An appeal asks a higher court to review the decision and potentially change the outcome. It's not a second trial, but a legal argument about what went wrong the first time.


Affidavit

An affidavit is a written statement of facts that a person swears is true. It’s signed under oath and often used as evidence in court when someone can’t appear in person.


Bail and Bond

Bail is the amount of money set by the court to make sure you come back for your future hearings. If you pay the full amount, that’s bail. If you use a bonding company to pay a portion of it, you’ve posted a bond. Either way, the goal is the same: you get released from jail while your case is pending.


Bench Warrant

If you miss a court date or fail to follow a judge’s order, the court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. It allows law enforcement to take you into custody and bring you before the judge.


Citation

A citation is another word for a ticket. It’s a written notice from law enforcement that you've allegedly broken a law — like a traffic offense — and that you're expected to appear in court or pay a fine.


Civil Infraction

A civil infraction is a non-criminal offense, like speeding or a parking violation. It usually results in a fine but won’t go on your criminal record or lead to jail time.


Complainant

This is the person who initiates the legal action or complaint — in criminal cases, this is typically the victim or the one who reported the alleged crime.


Defendant

The defendant is the person who has been accused of a crime or named in a legal proceeding. If you’re facing charges, you're the defendant.


Convict

To convict someone means they have been found guilty of the charge(s) against them, either by pleading guilty or being found guilty at trial.


Controlled Substances Act

This refers to the body of laws that regulate the possession, use, and distribution of drugs. In Michigan, this includes everything from marijuana to prescription pills and more serious substances.


Contempt of Court

If someone disobeys a judge's order, causes disruptions, or refuses to cooperate with the court, they can be held in contempt. This can result in fines or jail time — it’s essentially a punishment for disrespecting the legal process.


Cobbs Plea

This is a Michigan-specific plea deal where the judge agrees to a sentence range before the defendant officially pleads guilty. If the judge later decides to impose a harsher sentence, the defendant can withdraw the plea. It gives defendants some protection and predictability when accepting a deal.


Deferred Judgment of Guilt

In some cases, the court may delay entering a judgment of guilt. Instead, the person is given conditions to meet — like probation, treatment, or community service. If completed successfully, the case might be dismissed, and the conviction won’t go on their record.


Adjournment

An adjournment simply means the court date has been pushed back. It could be for any number of reasons — the judge’s schedule, more time needed to prepare the case, or at the request of one of the parties.


Bind Over

This term comes up during a preliminary exam in felony cases. If the judge decides there's enough evidence, they’ll “bind over” the case to the circuit court for trial. It’s a signal that the case is moving forward in the legal process.


Circuit Court Misdemeanor

While most misdemeanors are handled in district court, some that carry more than a year of jail time can go to circuit court. These are more serious misdemeanors and are treated similarly to felonies in terms of process.


Community Supervision or Probation

Instead of sending someone to jail, the court may place them on probation. This means the person must follow certain conditions like drug testing, curfews, or counseling. If they violate those terms, they could be sent to jail.


Probation Order Amendments

Sometimes, the terms of probation need to be updated. That could mean adding a treatment program, allowing someone to move, or changing reporting requirements. These amendments must be approved by the court.


Client Information Release Authorization

If you’re working with a counselor or social worker while on probation, you may be asked to sign this form. It gives permission for your probation officer to speak with your treatment provider — to make sure you're staying on track.


Criminal Tracking Number (CTN)

Every criminal case in Michigan is assigned a CTN — a unique number that helps track the case throughout the system. It’s like your case’s fingerprint.


Computerized Criminal History (CCH)

This is a statewide system that stores criminal history records. Law enforcement and courts use it to see prior offenses, probation status, and other relevant history.


Crime Victim’s Rights Act

This Michigan law ensures that victims of crimes have a voice. It gives them the right to be informed, present, and heard during key parts of the criminal justice process, like sentencing or parole hearings.


Contested vs. Uncontested Hearings

In a contested hearing, the two sides disagree and present arguments to a judge. In an uncontested hearing, they’ve reached an agreement or the issue isn’t being challenged.


Disposition

This term refers to how the case ends — whether through dismissal, guilty plea, not guilty verdict, or other resolution.


Expungement

If you’ve completed your sentence and meet certain eligibility requirements, you may be able to get your criminal record wiped clean. This is called expungement, and it can help with finding work or housing in the future.


Final Thoughts

Understanding legal terms is an important part of feeling in control during what may be a stressful time. The court process can be confusing, but it doesn't have to be. At Coppins Law Group, we believe that clear communication is key. That’s why we take the time to explain every part of your case in straightforward terms — and why we offer resources like this to help you feel prepared and informed.



If you're facing a legal situation and unsure what something means, don’t hesitate to ask. There's no such thing as a silly question when your freedom, record, or family is on the line. We’re here to help you make sense of it all — and fight for the best possible outcome.

Will a DUI in Macomb County Affect My License, Job, or Insurance?

June 29, 2025
If you’ve recently been charged with a DUI or OWI in Macomb County or the surrounding Southeast Michigan area, you probably have a lot of questions. One of the first things many people ask is how the charge could affect their driver’s license, their job, or their insurance. Facing an OWI charge is stressful, especially if this is your first time dealing with the legal system. This post walks through some of the possible outcomes and important things to know based on how these cases are typically handled in the local courts. First, a Quick Look at the Terms In Michigan, the term OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) is used more often than DUI, though people tend to use them interchangeably. You may also hear the term OUID (Operating Under the Influence of Drugs), which covers driving while impaired by substances other than alcohol. Whether it’s alcohol, marijuana, or a controlled substance, OWI charges are taken seriously in Macomb County, and local courts move quickly through the process. What Can Happen to Your Driver’s License? License penalties are common after an OWI charge, even before your case is finalized. For example: Implied Consent Violations : If you refuse to take a chemical test after arrest, the Michigan Secretary of State may automatically suspend your license for one year. This is separate from your criminal case. First OWI Conviction : This can lead to up to a 6-month suspension. In some cases, you may be eligible for a restricted license after 30 days. High BAC (.17 or higher) : This can trigger longer suspensions and require the installation of an ignition interlock device if a restricted license is granted. The local courts in Mt. Clemens often follow these guidelines closely, and the Secretary of State processes license penalties independently of the judge’s ruling. It’s important to be aware of both parts of the system. Can a DUI Affect Your Job? It depends on the type of work you do. For some people, an OWI has little or no impact on employment. For others, it can be more serious. Jobs that involve: Driving a company vehicle Holding a commercial driver’s license (CDL) Security clearances State licenses or professional certifications …may be affected by a DUI conviction. Employers in these situations often require notification of criminal charges or conduct background checks as part of ongoing employment. This is especially true in regulated fields like healthcare, education, law enforcement, or government contracting. If your job is unrelated to driving or licensing, your employer might not take any action at all. However, if you have a company policy that requires reporting arrests or convictions, it’s important to be proactive and check what’s required. What About Your Insurance? In most cases, your auto insurance rates will go up after a DUI conviction. Some insurance companies may even choose not to renew your policy. This isn’t something that happens immediately, but once the conviction hits your driving record, insurers may re-evaluate your policy at renewal time. Drivers with an OWI on their record may need to obtain SR-22 insurance , which is a special certification that proves you’re carrying the required amount of liability coverage. Michigan doesn’t require SR-22 in every OWI case, but your insurance provider may. Will This Stay on Your Record? Michigan has recently made changes to its expungement laws. Some first-time OWI offenses may now be eligible for expungement, but only under specific conditions and after a waiting period. Expungement is not automatic and requires a formal process through the court. If you’re thinking about long-term consequences, especially for your driving and criminal record, it’s worth speaking with an attorney to see what your options are. How Macomb County Courts Typically Handle OWI Cases In Macomb County, OWI cases usually start in district court. For residents in Mt. Clemens, that typically means the 41-B District Court. Judges in this court have handled hundreds of these cases, and they are familiar with all the nuances involved. The court process often includes: An arraignment Pre-trial conferences Review of police reports, body cam footage, and breathalyzer or blood test results Possible plea negotiations A sentencing hearing if there is a conviction Every case is different. Some people are eligible for sobriety court programs or other alternatives, depending on the facts of the case and their criminal history. Steps to Take After Being Charged If you’ve been charged with OWI in or around Macomb County: Don’t delay. Court dates often come up quickly. Don’t try to navigate it alone. The consequences of a conviction can follow you for years. Write down everything you remember from the traffic stop and arrest while it’s fresh in your mind. Gather any documents you’ve received and keep them in one place. You don’t have to go through this process without support. Local attorneys who work in the district courts every week understand what to expect and how to guide you through the steps. Need Help Navigating an OWI Charge in Mt. Clemens? Our team at Coppins Law Group has worked with many individuals facing DUI or OWI charges in the Macomb County area. We understand the pressure this puts on your life, and we’re here to help you understand your rights and options at every step. Disclaimer : This blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and results can vary depending on the facts and circumstances. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact Coppins Law Group directly.

How Child Custody Is Determined in Divorce Cases Around Mt. Clemens and Macomb County

June 18, 2025
If you’re going through a separation or divorce and you have children, it’s likely that child custody is one of your biggest concerns. In the Mt. Clemens and greater Macomb County area, custody decisions are handled by the local family court system. Understanding how judges in this region typically approach custody can help you better prepare for the process ahead. Every case is unique, but here’s what you should know if you're facing a custody matter in this part of Southeast Michigan. What Judges in Macomb County Family Court Look For Courts in Macomb County, just like others in the region, are guided by what’s called the best interest of the child . Judges look at a variety of factors to decide what kind of custody arrangement will support the child’s physical, emotional, and educational well-being. Some of the specific things they might consider include: The emotional ties between the child and each parent Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home The child’s age and needs Any history of abuse or neglect The mental and physical health of all parties involved The willingness of each parent to encourage a relationship between the child and the other parent These are just a few examples. Judges have broad discretion and will look closely at the full picture before making a decision. Types of Custody That May Be Awarded Local courts may award joint custody or sole custody , and they’ll often divide custody into two categories: Legal Custody : This determines who has the authority to make decisions about schooling, medical care, and other major life issues. It’s common for parents to share legal custody unless the court sees a specific reason not to. Physical Custody : This refers to where the child lives most of the time. Some families have a shared parenting time schedule, while others may have one parent with primary custody and the other with scheduled visitation. In Macomb County, parenting time orders are generally detailed. Judges want clear schedules that outline school days, weekends, holidays, and even pick-up and drop-off times to help avoid conflict. What You Should Bring to a Custody Hearing If you’re preparing for a custody hearing in Mt. Clemens or a nearby court, there are a few things that can help your case: A detailed parenting time proposal that shows you’ve thought about the child’s needs Proof of a stable home environment Information about your work schedule and availability Any documentation related to the child’s school or healthcare needs If you have concerns about the other parent, especially regarding safety, substance use, or unstable living conditions, bring documentation to support those concerns. Local judges expect facts and evidence, not just opinions. What to Avoid During the Process While emotions can run high, it’s important to stay focused on the child’s well-being. Avoid speaking negatively about the other parent in front of your children or online, and follow any temporary court orders to the letter. Also, be careful about informal agreements that aren’t court-approved. Even if both parents agree on something, it won’t be legally binding unless it’s documented and approved by the court. Why Local Representation Matters Every county handles custody cases a little differently. Local knowledge can be a major advantage. Attorneys who regularly appear before Macomb County family court judges understand how to present a case effectively, what kind of evidence judges expect, and how to navigate the system without unnecessary delays. At Coppins Law Group, we represent clients in Mt. Clemens and the surrounding areas every day. We’re familiar with the expectations of the local courts, and we focus on helping clients feel informed and supported through the process. If Custody Agreements Break Down If there’s already a custody agreement in place but one parent isn’t following it, you may need to file a motion for enforcement or ask the court to modify the order. This happens more often than many people expect, especially as life changes — jobs shift, children get older, and new partners or moves come into play. The family court will always return to the best interest of the child when reviewing modification requests, but they also look at how well each parent has honored the current agreement. Next Steps if You’re Facing a Custody Dispute in Macomb County If you’re dealing with child custody in or around Mt. Clemens, make sure you know your rights and have the support you need. Custody matters are deeply personal, and you shouldn’t have to navigate them alone. Whether you’re just beginning a divorce, responding to a custody motion, or thinking about modifying an existing arrangement, our office is available to discuss your situation and what steps make the most sense for your family. Disclaimer : This blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Custody outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case, and results can vary. For personalized legal guidance, contact Coppins Law Group directly to schedule a consultation.