Prepare for the Ohio Surety Bail Agent Exam. Access flashcards and multiple-choice questions, featuring hints and explanations. Ensure you're ready for your certification test!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What does it mean to acquit a criminal defendant?

  1. To find him not guilty

  2. To impose a sentence

  3. To express a plea

  4. To increase charges

The correct answer is: To find him not guilty

Acquitting a criminal defendant means to find them not guilty of the charges brought against them. In the legal context, this determination signifies that the evidence presented during the trial was insufficient to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. An acquittal implies that the defendant is cleared of the charges, meaning they will not face penalties or a criminal conviction for the allegations made. This outcome is central to the justice system, as it upholds the principle that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The other options pertain to different aspects of the judicial process, such as sentencing or charges, but they do not reflect the meaning of an acquittal.