Legal Rights
You have the right to remain ______?
What is silent?
A plea where the defendant says they did not commit the crime.
What is not guilty?
This person oversees the courtroom and makes the legal rulings.
Who is the judge?
This competency area involves knowing what offense you are accused of and understanding the legal name for your charge, such as knowing that “taking a car that isn’t yours” is called Grand Theft.
What is the appreciation of charges?
When the defendant is taken into custody, officers must tell them this so they understand why they were detained.
What is the right to know why you were arrested?
A plea where the defendant admits to committing the crime.
What is guilty?
This attorney represents the defendant.
Who is the defense attorney/public defender?
This area requires understanding the most severe penalties you could face if convicted, based on factors like whether the crime is a felony or misdemeanor.
What is the appreciation of possible penalities?
Who is a public defender?
A plea meaning the defendant does not contest the charge.
What is no contest?
This group decides guilt or innocence during a jury trial.
Who is the jury?
This competency factor includes knowing who the judge, prosecutor, and defense attorney are, as well as the difference between a trial and a plea bargain.
What is the understanding of the legal process?
Before entering a plea, the defendant has the right to understand the possible punishment if found guilty.
What is the right to know the possible sentence?
A pleas meaning the defendant is not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.
What is NGI?
This person presents evidence and tries to prove the defendant guilty.
Who is the prosecutor?
Trust, cooperation, memory, clear communication, and being honest with your lawyer all fall under this competency requirement.
What is the capacity to work with an attorney?
Unless disruptive or voluntarily absent, the defendant is allowed to be physically present for their hearing under this right.
What is the right to be present at your trial?
If a defendant cannot understand the court process, the court cannot accept this.
What is any plea?
This person gives information about what they saw, heard, or know.
Who is a witness?
Knowing how to behave in court, such as not interrupting, maintaining hygiene, and staying focused - is part of this competency area.
What is the capacity for appropriate behavior?