Legal Glossary
Understanding legal terms simplified
SR-22
An SR-22 is a certificate your auto insurance company files with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to prove you have the legally required liability insurance, typically after a serious driving offense.
Security Deposit
A security deposit is money a tenant pays a landlord at the start of a lease to cover potential damages or unpaid rent. In California, there are specific legal limits on how much a landlord can charge and strict rules for its return after you move out.
Settlement
A settlement is an agreement where parties in a legal dispute resolve their disagreement outside of court, usually by one side offering something (often money) to the other to end the case.
Statute of Limitations
A Statute of Limitations is a law that sets a specific time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed after a legal claim or injury occurs. If the deadline passes, you generally lose your right to take legal action.
Subpoena
A subpoena is a legal document that officially orders a person to appear in court or to provide specific documents.