Procedures
Punishment for committing a crime, handed down by the judge.
Sentence
This person keeps order in the courtroom, makes sure rules are fairly interpreted, decides the verdict, and imposes the sentence
Judge
By saying this you are telling the court "I didn't do it." The DA will have to prove that you committed the crime during a trial.
"Not Guilty."
Says "All rise. Court is now in session. The honorable Jane Q. Driveway presiding."
Bailiff
Where someone who is found NGI will do their sentence
State Hospital
A statement made under oath in court regarding some aspect of a case.
Attorney who works for the government, who tries to prove that you are guilty, and who seeks the maximum penalty if you are found guilty
DA or Prosecutor
By saying this you are telling the court "I did it." By doing this you give up the right to a trial and you accept the sentence that the judge gives you. You cannot change your mind once you enter this plea.
Guilty
Might say "Objection! Leading the witness!"
An attorney
A complaint to a higher court to review the decision of a lower court to determine whether or not an error or injustice was committed by the lower court that should be corrected.
Appeal
Questioning by the opposing attorney on the witness stand.
Cross-examination
Person charged with (or accused of) a crime
Defendant
You are telling the court "I am not going to fight the case. Go ahead and sentence me." This plea has the same result as pleading guilty and you will be sentenced as guilty and cannot change your mind later.
No Contest
Might say "We find the client guilty (or not guilty) of first degree assault."
Jury
Four rights you give up when you enter into a plea bargain
testify, confront witnesses, appeal, a jury trial
An agreement, or deal, made between the client/defense attorney and the prosecutor, in which the client agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a lesser charge and a reduced sentence.
Plea Bargain
Attorney who defends the client against the charges, who tries to get an acquittal (or not guilty verdict), and who seeks the minimum penalty if you are found guilty
Public defender or private attorney
You are saying to the court, "I did it, but I was mentally ill at the time." If you are found to meet this criteria you will be sent to a psychiatric hospital, and your sentence could be anywhere from 6 months to indefinite.
NGI or not guilty by reason of insanity.
Might say "Have you had a chance to discuss this plea bargain with your attorney? Do you fully understand its terms?"
Judge
A defendant may be ordered to pay money for harm they caused the victim
Restitution
Court appearance to determine whether a client is guilty or not guilty of a crime, where both sides present evidence to support their arguments.
Trial
Person who testifies in court about a case
Witness
In this case you could have two trials. You are saying to the court: "I didn't do it, but if you prove that I did, it was because I was mentally ill at the time of the crime."
Dual Plea
Might say "I would like to plead the 5th amendment, Your Honor"
Defendant
Name 4 rules or conditions of probation
No alcohol/drug use
No hanging out with criminals
No leaving the state
No breaking the law