If a defendant in a criminal action is acquitted on the merits, he is acquitted of the same offense notwithstanding any defect in form or substance in the indictment or information on which the trial was had.

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Terms Used In Arizona Laws 13-3985

  • Action: includes any matter or proceeding in a court, civil or criminal. See Arizona Laws 1-215
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.