Procedures
Punishment for committing a crime; handed down by the Judge
What is a Sentence?
Keeps order in the courtroom, makes sure rules are fairly interpreted, and provides a sentence if the Defendant if found guilty.
What is the Judge?
The right to remain silent and the right to have an Attorney. If you cannot afford an Attorney, one will be appointed to you.
What are Miranda Rights?
Lying on the stand in a court hearing when testifying which is a crime.
What is Perjury?
Plea where a Defendant does not say if he did or did not do the crime; and allows the Judge to make the decision.
What is No Contest?
Statement made under oath in court on the stand during a court hearing.
What is a testimony?
A group of 12 people chosen from the community, who hear and look at the evidence in a case to decide if the defendant is guilty or not.
What is the Jury?
Two-word justified reason for a person to be arrested and charged with a crime.
What is probable cause?
Business or professional attire such as dress slacks and collar shirt, blazer, and dress shoes.
What is appropriate attire to wear to court?
Plea in which Defendant believes their innocent BUT acknowledges that there is enough evidence to convict them if they went to trial.
What is Alford Guilty Plea?
Questioning by the opposing attorney on the witness stand.
What is a cross-examination?
Person who testifies in court what they saw or heard about a crime committed.
What is an eye witness?
Rights of a Defendant outlined by 6th Amendment.
What is FAST-Right to face accuser, appeal, remain silent, and fair trial?
Using "Your Honor"
What is how to address the Judge?
Plea in which the Defendant admits they committed the crime but did not know at the time of the crime what was right or wrong due to mental illness or intellectual disability.
What is Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI)?
Agreement, or deal, made between the Defendant/Defense Attorney and the Prosecutor, in which the client agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a lesser charge and a reduced sentence.
What is a Plea Bargain?
Attorney who works for the State, who tries to prove that you are guilty, and who seeks the maximum penalty if you are found guilty; Is NOT on your side.
What is the Prosecutor/District Attorney?
Everything that is confidential when meeting with your Defense Attorney privately about your defense strategy for court.
What is Attorney Client Privilege?
Writing a note or whispering in someone's ear.
How to communicate with your Defense Attorney during a court hearing?
This person has advanced knowledge with credentials who testifies on a certain topic related to the Defendant and the court case.
What is an Expert Witness?
Court hearing to determine whether a Defendant is guilty or not guilty of a crime, where both sides present evidence to support their arguments.
What is a Trial?
Attorney who defends the Defendant against the charges, who tries to get a not guilty verdict. Who seeks a lesser sentence if the Defendant if found guilty; Is on YOUR side!
What is a Defense Attorney/Public Defender?
This happens when a Defendant enters the pleas of Guilty, No Contest, OR Alford Guilty.
What is giving up your rights?
Being disruptive such as yelling, cursing, chewing gum, or eating food.
What are inappropriate behaviors in a courtroom?
NOT able to understand your charges or the court process, and not knowing how to communicate with your Defense Attorney.
What is Incapable to Proceed?