Courtroom Characters
This court official makes sure the Judge's rules are followed, can remove people from the court who are disruptive, and swears in the witnesses.
What is a Bailiff?
A citizen who serves on a jury, listens to testimonies from both sides, and makes the decision of whether or not the defendant is guilty or not guilty.
What is a Juror?
This plea means that you admit that you committed the crime you are charged with.
What is "I'm Guilty"?
When you are court ordered to be supervised and meet certain conditions such as meeting with an officer, submitting to drug screens and maintaining employment
What is Probation?
A court order issued that states a person was found not fit to proceed and will need up to 10 months of restoration treatment.
What is a 310 order?
This person types or records word for word what is said in court.
What is a Courtroom Reporter?
This is the person being charged with a crime in court.
What is the Defendant?
When you plead guilty to a lesser crime in exchange for a lesser penalty.
What is a Plea Bargain?
An Amount of money one would pay the court as a result of their charges
What is a Fine?
If you disrupt court by being loud, demanding or argumentative, you can be physically removed from the courtroom
What is Contempt of Court?
An attorney who is hired by the state or city to work against the defendant.
What is a Prosecuting Attorney/Prosecutor?
A person who provides testimony on what they saw or heard before, during, or after the crime.
What is an Eye Witness?
This plea means that you are telling the court that you did not commit the crime.
What is "I'm not Guilty"?
Time spent working assigned community jobs to work off your sentence.
What is Community Service?
Knowingly telling a lie in court after having sworn to tell the truth.
What is Perjury?
This is someone chosen by either the defense or prosecution, who comments on the defendant's character or what they are like as a person.
Hint: this person could be a family member, friend, teacher, coworker, etc.
What is a Character Witness?
This is an attorney who represents and works on behalf of the defendant?
What is a Defense Attorney/Public Defender?
This plea means that you admit that you did the crime, but that symptoms of your mental illness prevented you from being in control of your behavior at the time of the crime. Also known as “guilty but not responsible”
What is Not guilty by Reason of Mental Disease or Defect?
A less serious crime punishable by fine and/or up to one year in jail
What is a Misdemeanor?
At the time of the alleged crime, the person understood right from wrong and had the capacity to conform their behavior to the law
What is Criminal Responsibility (or being responsible for the crime)?
This person oversees the courtroom, maintains order in the court, and has the final say as to whether the defendant is competent or not.
What is a Judge?
A person who testifies using special skills, knowledge, or expertise. Hint: this could be a doctor, psychologist, police officer, etc.
What is an Expert Witness?
This plea means that you are not disputing the charge and you forfeit your right to a trial and will accept whatever sentence the court gives you.
What is pleading No Contest?
A crime for which a person can be sent to a state or federal prison; typically punishable by more than one year in prison
What is a Felony?
Being able to understand your legal charges, realistic facts about your case, possible pleas and penalties, know how to work with your attorney, and conduct yourself appropriately in the courtroom.