Penalties
If you are found guilty of this type of crime, it can result in a jail sentence ranging from one day to twelve months.
misdemeanor
The statements a witness makes when they are sworn under oath to tell the truth is called their what?
Testimony
If you plead this, you must go to trial. If the outcome of this trial is that your plea is accepted, charges are dropped and you can go home.
Not Guilty
This person decides what evidence is allowed and what testimony the witnesses can provide. He/she sits in the an elevated area at the front of the courtroom.
Judge
Traffic violations such as speeding or driving without a license are considered what type of crime?
Misdemeanors
If you are found guilty of this type of crime, which is more serious, it can result in a prison sentence ranging from one year to life.
Felony
If you are found guilty, the judge will decide this.
sentence
If you plead this, you don't have a trial and you give up some rights. You get sentenced and the conviction goes on your record, however you may be able to do a plea bargain.
Guilty
A group of twelve impartial people from the community who listen to your case throughout the trial and then decide if you are guilty or not guilty. Their decision must be unanimous.
Jury
When you are arrested, you have the right to remain what?
Silent
This penalty means that you don't have to go to jail, but you must live by some rules decided by the judge.
Probation
You are entitled to this type of trial if you have been charged with any crime that could result in a jail or prison sentence and you are entering a plea of not guilty. This trial will include 12 impartial people who listen to your case.
trial by jury
When your lawyer, the prosecuting lawyer and the judge allow you to plead guilty to a less serious charge. It will usually result in a lighter sentence.
Plea Bargain
The person who has been accused of a crime.
Defendant
Your attorney/defense attorney
You may be required to participate in counseling and possibly take medication as part of your sentence as ordered by the judge. What is this called?
Treatment
The statement made at the beginning of the trial by both the prosecuting attorney and the defense attorney.
Opening statements
You admit that you did the crime, but are asking that you not be put in jail and not be held criminally responsible because you were mentally ill at the time.
Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI)
The attorney that is on the side of the one being accused of the crime. This attorney's job is to get the best possible outcome for the defendant.
Defense attorney
You have the right to request to fight the verdict or sentence after a trial. What is this called?
Appeal
This type of sentence is a jail sentence that the judge gives you, but instead of actually spending your time in jail, you can serve that amount of time on probation. If you do not succesfully complete probation, then you will be rquired to serve any remaining time on your sentence in jail.
Suspended sentence
A court appearance where you hear the charge and are asked whether you will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty to that charge.
Arraignment
You agree that there is evidence you did the crime, but you are not admitting you did it. In other words, you are not fighting the charge, and you will take whatever sentence the court gives you and not ask for a trial. You are not saying you did it, but you also aren't saying you didn't.
No Contest
This attorney is against the defendant and is trying to convict this person of the crime which he/she has been charged with.
Prosecutor (Prosecuting Attorney or Commonwealth Attorney)
A joint conference when a judge will meet with both the prosecution and attorneys for a defendant facing a jury trial.
Pre-trial hearing