Plea Bargain
What is Plea Bargain?
The defendant, through their lawyer and the State Attorney agrees to: a sentence by pleading guilty or no contest to a charge, or a reduced sentence to a lesser charge.
How do you dress for court?
Nice pants, suit, dress, jeans, skirt, sweater, collar shirt.
A _____ is the term for a young person under the legal age of 18.
What is a juvenile?
A person who saw or heard something that can help the judge make a decision.
What is a witness?
This person makes the rules, is in charge of the court, decides if you are guilty, and gives punishment if you are found guilty.
Who is the Judge?
Who has to agree to it?
Defendant, State Attorney/Prosecutor, and Judge.
What clothing is inappropriate fort court?
Ripped jeans, sagging pants, crop top, short shorts, clothing with offensive language.
What are minor offenses such as a traffic violations or trespassing?
What is a misdemeanor?
The person that is charged with a crime.
Who is the Defendant?
An employee if the court who acts as a secretary for the judge and keeps track of the schedules.
What is a clerk?
How can a plea bargain help me?
You may get a lighter sentence and it settles your legal proceeding more quickly then waiting for a trial.
Can you use you cell phone is court?
No
What us a serious crime such as selling drugs, battery, or kidnapping?
What is a Felony?
The facts that are helpful in forming a judgement, (Ex: fingerprints, video)
What is evidence?
The lawyer who is paid to prosecute you to prove that you are guilty.
Who is the State Attorney/Prosecutor?
What do I give up if I accept a plea agreement?
You give up your right to trial, to confront your accusers, the right to remain silent, loose your right to appeal, and get the same punishment if you have a trail and were convicted.
How do you behave in court?
What is pleading guilty to a lesser charge than the original charge?
What is Plea Bargain?
Something that is declared or promised (ex: to tell the truth).
What is an oath?
A lawyer who is paid to defend you.
Defense Attorney/Public Defender
Who benefits the most from a plea bargain?
You get a better deal and you do not have to go to trial.
How do you answer the judge?
Yes sir, no sir, yes your honor and no your honor.
What is the process in which a person is accused of a crime and has to appear before a court to enter a plea of guilty of not guilty?
What is an arraignment?
Giving false, deliberate, and misleading testimony while under oath.
What is Perjury?
A person who makes a word for word record (transcript) of everything that goes on during a court hearing or trial.
What is a Court Reporter?