WHO AM I?
During a trial, I listen carefully to all the evidence so I can help. Then I will go into a room with the rest of my group to decide what really happened.
Juror
During a trial, I sit next to my lawyer and hope that the judge or jury will decide I did not break the law or violate the other person’s rights. I will probably get up and tell my side of the story.
What is a Defendant?
What does NO CONTEST MEAN?
Defendant neither admits nor denies the charges against them, but instead accepts the punishment that may be imposed
Defense Attorney/Public Defender
This is an attorney that works with you and helps with your defense. The defense attorney is the only person with whom you have “Attorney-Client Privilege”.
Evidence
an item or information proffered to make the existence of a fact more or less probable. Evidence can take the form of testimony, documents, photographs, videos, voice recordings, DNA testing, or other tangible objects.
Before a trial, I study the law, talk to witnesses, and gather evidence to build a case to prove the defendant committed a crime. I also negotiate with the other side to offer the defendant the most fair punishment.
What is the Prosecutor?
Before a trial, I will give the prosecutor as much information as I can to help her convict the person who committed a crime against me.
What is a victim?
I DID THE CRIME!
Witness
A person who may know something about what you did or didn’t do. A witness will testify from the witness stand, answering questions asked by both lawyers.
Testify
to speak in court under oath.
Before a trial, I read all the documents that each side files with the court so I know what’s going on. I also go in the courtroom to make decisions about different issues that come up as the lawyers prepare for trial.
What is a judge?
Before a trial, I am just a regular citizen going about my business.
Juror
if a DEFENDANT pleads guilty... DOES he/she go to trial?
If you plead guilty, you do not go to trial and the judge gives you a sentence (punishment).
Victim
A person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of the crime.
Time Served:
If found guilty and sentenced to jail or prison, your defense attorney may ask the court for “time served” for the time you have already spent in jail.
Before a trial, I study the law, talk to witnesses, and gather evidence to build a case to prove my client is innocent of any crime. If I can’t do that, I work to get my client the most fair punishment.
What is Criminal Defense Attorney?
When my judge is not in the courtroom, I help keep things running smoothly in the judge’s chamber
BALIFF
If you plead Not Guilty.. what are you telling the judge?
I DID NOT DO THE CRIME.
Jury
A group of people (12 people) who attend a trial, listening to the testimony and evidence and make a decision (render a verdict) if you are guilty or not guilty of the crime to which you have been accused.
Jury Trial
Decides if the defendant committed the crime they are being charged with.
During a trial, I present evidence to convince the jury that the defendant violated my client’s rights and owes something to my client.
Prosecutor
Before a trial, I meet with lawyers and tell them what I heard or saw, to help them prepare their cases.
What does NGRI stand for? and what does this mean?
Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity - ) means The defendant (you) are telling the Judge they committed the alleged crime(s), but because they have a mental illness or intellectual disability, they didn’t understand the difference between right or wrong at the time of the crime(s).
Trial
An occasion when the court, with or without a jury decides on your guilt or innocence or decides on the penalty.
Hearing
A court hearing is a gathering within a courtroom for the purpose of conducting a legal procedure.