The process whereby the accused, the public defender, the district attorney and the judge reach and agreement regarding the degree of the charges &/or the punishment.
What is a Plea Bargain.
The person accused of committing a crime.
Who is the Defendant.
By saying this you are telling the court "I didn't do it." The DA will have to prove that you committed the crime during a trial.
What is "Not Guilty."
This person presides over the court, interprets the law and makes sure that you receive a fair trial. They also decide the sentence.
Who is the judge.
Hearings conducted to determine a person's mental capacity. They may be held within the criminal contex to determine competency to stand trial, or to be sentenced, or to determine whether at the tiem of the offense the accused was legally sane.
What is the Competency Hearing.
A stated period of time where a convicted criminal offender is realeased into the community under the supervision of a type of officer in lieu of incarceration. The defendant must agree to specified standards of conduct such as: no drinking or drugs, no associating with known felons, no changing residences without permission and staying out of trouble.
What is Probation.
The lawyer who defends the person accused of committing a crime. They offer their own witnesses to present their client's version of the facts.
Who is the Public Defender ~or~ Defense Attorney.
By saying this you are telling the court "I did it." By doing this you give up the right to a trial and you accept the sentence that the judge gives you. You cannot change your mind once you enter this plea.
What is Guilty.
These are the 12 citizens randomly selected to observe the trial, listen to the arguments from both sides and decide the facts of the case. They also are responsible if the defendant is guilty or innocent. All 12 members must agree to a Guilty or Not Guilty verdict unanimously.
Who is the jury.
The hearing where the defendant is brought before the court to hear how long he/she will serve.
What is the Sentencing.
If I Violate my probation, the court can do what?
What is reinstate or modify.
The lawyer who prosecutes cases on behalf of the people of the State of florida. By questioning witnesses they try to convince the judge and jury that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Who is the 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.
Who is the witness.
A complaint to a higher court to review the decision of a lower court to detemine whether or not an error or injustice was committed by the lower court that should be corrected.
What is an Appeal.
An amount of money normally set by the judge. If the accused is unable to provide this money, or otherwise unable to be released on his or her own recognizance, he or she is detained in custody.
What is Bail.
The person who writes down the judges orders, keeps all the records and evidence and swears in the witnesses.
Who is the Court Clerk.
You are saying to the court, "I did it, but I was mentally ill at the time." If you are found to meet this criteria you will be sent to a psychiatric hospital and your sentence could be anywhere from 6 months to indefinite.
What is Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity.
This is the deputy sheriff assigned to the courtroom for security purposes. They ensure the protection of everyone in the coutroom. They also are responsible for bringing criminal defendants into the courtroom and keeping juries isolated while they deliberate.
Who is the Bailiff.
Which amendment protects you from testifying against yourself.
What is the fifth amendment
The term for the time you are rewarded, while waiting for your case to move forward.
What is Time Served
A person who is fluent in at least one language other than English who translates in the courtroom for non-English speaking parties and witnesses in arraignments, pleas, pre-trial hearing and trials.
Who is Court Translator.
The person who uses a stenograph machine to keep a record of everything said during the court proceedings. Their written document is called a 'transcript.'
Who is a Court Reporter.
Which two rights do you give up if you plead no contest?
What is the right to trial and the right to an appeal.