Indigent
Needy or impoverished. A defendant who can demonstrate his or her indigence to the court may be assigned a court-appointed attorney at public expense and may qualify for in forma pauperis status.
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Statutorily mandated academic plan for students with special needs (i.e., “learning disabled”).
Infraction
A violation of law not punishable by imprisonment. Minor traffic offenses generally are considered infractions.
Inheritance Tax
A state tax on property that an heir or beneficiary under a will receives from a deceased person's estate. The heir or beneficiary pays this tax.
Initial Appearance
In criminal law, the hearing at which a judge determines whether there is sufficient evidence against a person charged with a crime to hold him or her for trial. The US Constitution bans secret accusations, so initial appearances are public unless the defendant asks otherwise; the accused must be present, though he or she usually does not offer evidence. Also called first appearance.
Initial Hearing
The first appearance before a judge, usually a magistrate judge, to determine whether there is probable cause, whether the youth should be released or detained in a secure facility, and – if released - what conditions should be imposed on the juvenile (for example: curfew). These hearings are held in courtroom JM-15 of Moultrie Courthouse.
Injunction
Writ or order by a court prohibiting a specific action from being carried out by a person or group. A preliminary injunction is granted provisionally until a full hearing can be held to determine if it should be made permanent.
Intake
The procedure by which a juvenile is registered in the court adjudication process after the police have arrested him or her.
Intangible Assets
Nonphysical items such as stock certificates, bonds, bank accounts, and pension benefits that have value and must be taken into account in estate planning.
Inter Vivos Gift
A gift made during the giver's life.