Pleas
What is guilty
Admitting that you did the crime
What does the judge do?
Makes sure that the everyone in the court is following the rules and must remain neutral.
What is misdemeanor charges?
A less serious crime punishable by jail time of less than a year or probation.
True or False: You can get up and say what you want in the courtroom any time that you want.
False: You speak if you take the stand or if the judge ask you to speak.
What is a Plea Bargain?
A deal worked out between the defendant, defense attorney, and district attorney.
What is not guilty
You did not commit the crime.
Who is the defendant?
The person charged with committing the crime (ME)
True or False: In a Bench Trial the Judge gives the Verdict and Sentence.
True: There is no jury in a bench trial.
True or False: You cannot ask your attorney questions or talk to them during court
False: You want to be discreet and not disrupt court. Whisper or pass your attorney a note.
How can a plea bargain help me?
A plea bargain settles your legal proceedings more quickly than awaiting a trial.
The sentence you receive may be equal to the time you have been in jail plus in the hospital as incompetent to stand trial.
If there is a lot of evidence against you, a plea bargain may result in a lighter sentence.
What is no contest
You're not admitting that you did the crime, but you're also not saying that you didn't do it. You're leaving the decision up to the judge
What is the defense attorney?
This is the lawyer on your side. Tries to prove that you are innocent
What is a Felony?
A more serious crime. Punishable by going to Prison. Sentences for felonies range from one year to life in prison.
What is perjury?
A new charge if you lie in court
What is evidence?
Facts/objects that prove either innocence or guilt (videotapes, DNA, fingerprints, witness testimony)
What does NGRI mean?
Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity: Stating that you did do the crime, but that you're not guilty because you were unable to tell the difference between right and wrong at the time of the crime.
What is an Expert Witness?
A person who is accepted by the court as an expert or a professional in a particular subject. For example, psychiatrists and psychologists, even if you think they are wrong.
What is a conditional release/parole?
If you are given this, it means that you are released into the community with conditions or rules that you must follow.
What is contempt of court?
A new charge if you misbehave in court.
What is competency?
Understanding your rights and the charges against you and being able to work with your attorney to assist in your own defense.
What happens in a plea bargain?
You plead guilty or no contest to a charge (often a lesser charge), the prosecutor agrees to let you have an easier penalty, and may drop other charges. You, the District Attorney, and the Judge must agree.
Who is the attorney that is against you and is trying to convict you?
The District Attorney (DA) or Prosecutor
What could happen if you do not work with your attorney and tell them everything?
They will not be able to help me build the best possible defense for my case.
True or False: If a witness is lying on the stand, it is your right to yell out in the courtroom to let everyone know that they are not telling the truth
False: Quietly let your attorney know they are lying.
What is the difference between a Plea Bargain and the Alford Plea.
The difference between a Plea Bargain and an Alford plea is that the defendant does not maintain he or she is innocent in a nolo plea, whereas innocence is asserted in Alford pleas.