Charges & Sentencing
Are your charges serious?
(YES or NO
What is a judge?
The judge acts as the referee of the courtroom, ensuring rules are followed.
What are the four types of pleas?
Guilty, Not Guilty, No Contest, and Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGI).
What is an oath?
A promise to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
What will happen if you lie when you testify?
You could be charged with perjury.
What are you charged with?
You may be charged with a felony, a misdemeanor, or both. Each has different degrees of severity.
What’s another word for public defender or lawyer?
Attorney
What is a plea bargain?
A deal made between you, your public defender, the prosecutor, and the judge.
What does testifying or testimony mean?
Making a sworn statement in court.
Is perjury a charge?
yes
What is the maximum time you can face for your charge?
Felonies carry up to 5, 15, or 30 years depending on the degree. Misdemeanors range from 60 days to 1 year in jail.
Who are the four people involved in a plea bargain?
You, the judge, the prosecutor, and your public defender.
If you could describe a plea bargain in one word, what would it be?
Deal
If the judge asks you to testify, do you have to?
No—you have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment, unless you’ve accepted a plea bargain.
does the state of Florida offer parole?
No
What degree felony is your charge?
Felonies are classified as 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree, with 1st being the most serious.
What is a state attorney or prosecutor?
A lawyer who represents the government in criminal cases.
What does a No Contest plea mean?
You don’t admit guilt or innocence but agree to accept the court’s verdict.
What are the two rights you give up when you take a plea bargain?
The right to a jury trial and the right against self-incrimination.
What are the penalties a judge can give without sending you to jail or prison?
Probation, restitution, community service, house arrest, and similar alternatives.
What’s more serious—a misdemeanor or a felony?
A felony is more serious than a misdemeanor.
What are the two pleas you can take during a plea bargain?
Guilty or No Contest.
What does Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity mean?
It means you weren’t mentally capable of understanding right from wrong at the time of the crime.
How are you supposed to act in court?
You should be polite, respectful, clean, and presentable
What can’t you do on probation?
You can’t use drugs or alcohol, break the law, own weapons, travel without permission, ignore curfews, be unemployed, or contact restricted individuals.