Pleas
The statement of guilt or innocence the defendant gives to the Court in response to their charges.
What is a PLEA?
A person who controls the courtroom. They are the one who is in charge and has authority. They are NEUTRAL.
Who is the JUDGE?
A minor offense or lesser charge. Can result in up to 1 year in the county jail.
What is a misdemeanor?
The punishment given to the defendant if they are found guilty.
What is a SENTENCE?
The outcome of a trial decided by a Judge or Jury.
What is the VERDICT?
When entering this plea, the defendant is admitting that they did the crime they are being accused of and/or are accepting responsibility for the charges against them.
What is GUILTY?
The person who is facing the criminal charges. Sometimes referred to as the "accused".
Who is the DEFENDANT?
A more serious/severe charge. Can result in a minimum of 1 year and 1 day in the state prison/correctional facility.
What is a felony?
The maximum penalty for this charge is up to 5 years in prison, 5 years probation, & a $5,000 fine.
What is a 3RD DEGREE FELONY?
A charge that can be given if someone lies, under oath, in court.
What is PERJURY?
When entering this plea, the defendant is stating that they are innocent and did not do what they are being accused of doing.
What is NOT GUILTY?
The attorney that represents and defends the defendant in court.
Who is the DEFENSE ATTORNEY?
This is when a police officer takes an individual into custody for a crime.
What is an ARREST?
True or False: The State Attorney/Prosecutor is the only one who can sentence you.
What is FALSE?
Only the Judge can!
Materials found/used to prove or disprove a defendant's guilt or innocence.
(i.e., DNA, pictures, videos, records, etc.)
What is EVIDENCE?
When entering this plea, the defendant does not admit whether they did or did not commit the crime they're accused of.
What is NO CONTEST (NOLO CONTENDERE)?
This person represents society and attempts to demonstrate that the charges against the defendant are true.
Who is the STATE ATTORNEY/PROSECUTOR?
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be held against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you.
What are the MIRANDA RIGHTS/WARNINGS?
The maximum penalty for this charge is up to 30 years in prison, 30 years probation, & a $10,000 fine.
What is a 1ST DEGREE FELONY?
What is INCOMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL?
This plea means that the defendant did not know what they were doing at the time of the crime or that they did not know what they were doing was wrong.
What is NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF INSANITY (NGRI)?
A group of 6 or 12 people who listen to both sides of the story and will decide if the defendant did the crime or not.
What is the JURY?
What is PROBABLE CAUSE?
These guidelines tell the Judge the shortest or longest sentence allowed for someone who is being convicted of a specific crime.
What are SENTENCING GUIDELINES?
The standard in a criminal case that must be met by the State Attorney/Prosecutor in order to convict the Defendant.
What is BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT?