Pleas
What is guilty
Admitting that you did the crime
What does the judge do? Name 2 things.
1. Makes sure that everyone in the court is following the rules 2. issues orders 3. remains neutral 4. decides guilt or innocence during bench trial 5. sets dates for hearings and trials
Who is the defendant?
Person charged with a crime.
Who is an alibi witness?
Someone that can attest to where the defendant was during the time of the crime.
What is a Plea Bargain?
A deal worked out between the defendant, defense attorney, and district attorney.
What is not guilty
You did not commit the crime.
Who is the court reporter?
Who is the jury? What do they do?
A group of people who sit in a courtroom and hear all testimony and evidence, and make a decision if you are guilty or not guilty. ALL HAVE TO AGREE.
What is a character witness?
Someone that can attest to your moral character and the type of person you are.
How can a plea bargain help me?
A plea bargain settles your legal proceedings more quickly than awaiting a trial.
The sentence you receive may be equal to the time you have been in jail plus in the hospital as incompetent to stand trial.
If there is a lot of evidence against you, a plea bargain may result in a lighter sentence.
What is no contest
You're not admitting that you did the crime, but you're also not saying that you didn't do it. You're leaving the decision up to the judge
Who is the defense attorney?
This is the lawyer on your side; Tries to prove that you are innocent; is paid to defend you.
This is an employee of the court who keeps order, and assure that everyone follows the rules , will escort you out of the courtroom for bad behaviors and announces events.
Bailiff
What is an Expert Witness?
A person who is accepted by the court as an expert or a professional in a particular subject. For example, psychiatrists and psychologists, even if you think they are wrong.
What is evidence?
Facts/objects that prove either innocence or guilt (videotapes, DNA, fingerprints, witness testimony)
Give the definition of the plea NGI?
Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity: Stating that you did do the crime, but that you're not guilty because you were unable to tell the difference between right and wrong at the time of the crime.
This person is an employee of the court who acts as a secretary for the judge and keeps track of whats going on, schedules, maintains records/administers oaths
Clerk
True or false: Another name for an Attorney is a lawyer.
True
What is an eyewitness?
What is competency?
Understanding your rights and the charges against you and being able to work with your attorney to assist in your own defense.
What happens in a plea bargain?
You plead guilty or no contest to a charge (often a lesser charge), the prosecutor agrees to let you have an easier penalty, and may drop other charges. You, the District Attorney, and the Judge must agree.
Who is the attorney that is against you and is trying to convict you?
The District Attorney (DA) or Prosecutor
Who are the 3 (or 4) people that must agree to a plea bargain?
Defendant (&Defense Attorney), Prosecution, and Judge all must agree.
A person who observed a crime is called ?
Witness
Name 2 things that your attorney does for you.