PLEAS
Which plea would you choose if you believe you want to have your case heard?
Not Guilty
What is the judge's role?
Maintain order, decide verdict, decide sentencing.
What is evidence/why is it used in court? Give some examples.
Items that help prove what happened. Examples: DNA, fingerprints, video footage, photos, weapons, etc.
How should you behave while in court?
Calm, respectful, follow instructions, etc.
Are felonies or Misdemeanors more serious?
Felony is more serious
What does it mean if you plead Guilty? What rights do you lose?
You would be admitting that you committed the crime. You lose the right to trial and appeal.
What is the role of the defense attorney?
To get you (the defendant) the best possible outcome.
What does a witness do in court.
Tell what they know about the case.
IF YOU ARE FOUND GUILTY, WHAT HAPPENS NECT AND WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SENTENCING OUTCOMES?
YOU ATTEND A SENTENCING HEARING
CAN BE SENTENCED TO JAIL, PRISON OR PROBATION
Does a sentence always mean time in jail or prison?
No! You could be sentenced to active time in jail/prison, suspended time, probation, community service, fines, or time served.
What does it mean if you plead Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity?
You would be saying that you did commit the crime but were not in the right state of mind at the time of the offense due to a mental illness.
What is the Commonwealth's Attorney/Prosecutor's role?
To represent the state. They are against you in court and will present evidence to try to prove you are guilty.
The decision by the court determining whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.
IF SOMEONE PLEAS GUILTY OR NO CONTEST, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
DO THEY GO TO TRIAL? WHY OR WHY NOT
THEY ATTEND A SENTENCING HEARING AND GET SENTENCED.
NO TRIAL BECAUSE THEY ADMITTED FAULT AND AGREE TO DO THEIR TIME
When convicted of a felony, what rights do you lose?
Right to own a firearm and right to vote.
What does it mean if you plead no contest?
You would not be admitting guilty and saying you don't want to fight the charges so you will take a sentence.
What is the role of a jury and how many people are part of a jury?
The jury is 12 people who decide the verdict.
What is cross examination?
The process where both attorneys ask witnesses questions.
Why is it important to know the details about your case, including evidence?
Because knowing the details allows you to help your attorney decide on the best defense strategy and lets you make informed decisions.
What does being sentenced to probation mean?
You get to go home but you have guidelines/rules you have to follow.
With which pleas do you lose the right to trial and appeal?
Guilty and No contest
Which courtroom personnel can you openly speak to without worrying about it being used against you?
Defense Attorney
What is the difference between a bench trial and jury trial?
In a bench trial, the judge decides the verdict.
In a jury trial, the jury verdict.
How can you assist your attorney?
By being honest and sharing all information you have about the case.
What are the possible sentence ranges for Misdemeanors and for Felonies?
Misdemeanor: up to 1 year
Felony: 1 year up to Life