Court Terms
This is a less serious crime punishable by jail time.
Misdemeanor
An option to plead that means You did the Crime.
Guilty
The person accused of committing a crime.
Defendant
Who makes the final decision on whether a defendant is competent to stand trial.
Judge
It means you do not understand your charges, the legal process or how to help your attorney.
Not Competent to Stand Trial
The most serious type of charge.
Felony
An option to plead that means You did not do the Crime.
Not Guilty
The lawyer who defends the person accused of committing a crime.
Public Defender or Defense Attorney
The stage of the criminal justice process in which the defendant is brought before the court to hear how long he/she will serve.
Sentencing
The legal proceedings held in the courtroom to decide if a person is guilty, not guilty or not guilty by reason of insanity.
Trial
The Judge decides the case.
Bench Trial
An option to plead that means you are not saying you did it or didn't do it. You are not going to fight the charges. You are leaving it for the court to decide.
No Contest
The lawyer who prosecutes cases on behalf of the State
District Attorney
People called to the stand to give testimony about what they saw or heard relating to the case. They have to swear to tell the truth.
What are the 3 rights given up with a Plea Bargain.
1. Trial 2. Silence 3. Appeal
Information used to prove a fact.
Evidence
An option to plead that means you were not aware that you were doing anything wrong at the time of the crime.
Not Guilty by Reason of Mental Disease of Defect (NGI)
This person presides over the court, interprets the law and makes sure that you receive a fair trial. They also decide the sentence.
Judge
Avoids the stress of trial, you know the sentencing before pleading guilty or no contest, receive a lower sentence than if convicted at trial, and the case is settled quicker.
Plea Bargain
When opposing attorneys question a witness.
Cross-Examine
Answering questions on the witness stand.
Testimony
What do you have to plea for a plea bargain
Guilty or No Contest
These are the 12 citizens randomly selected to observe the trial, listen to the arguments from both sides and decide the verdict of guilty or not guilty. All 12 members must agree to a Guilty or Not Guilty verdict unanimously.
Jury
A complaint to a higher court to review the decision of a lower court to have a new trial or adjust the sentence.
Appeal
The person should know the standards for behavior in court and some of the terms and penalties for inappropriate behavior there. Attention and concentration are important, as are disruptiveness, talking out of turn, appearance and hygiene.
Appropriate Courtroom Behaviors