Crime & Punishment
This is the punishment ordered by a judge after a defendant is found guilty. It may include jail or prison time, probation, community service, fines, or other court-ordered requirements.
What is a sentence?
In Florida, a person convicted of this felony can receive a sentence of up to 30 years in state prison.
What is a first-degree felony?
This is the formal response a defendant gives to the court when asked whether they admit, deny, or otherwise respond to the charges against them.
What is a plea?
This is an agreement between the defendant, State attorney, and judge that can resolve a criminal case without going to trial.
What is a plea bargain?
I am the person accused of committing a crime. I have the right to an attorney and can choose whether to testify in my own case. Who am I?
Who is the defendant?
This type of serious crime can result in a sentence of more than one year in state prison and, for the most serious offenses, may be punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty.
What is a felony?
This felony can result in a sentence that requires the individual to spend the rest of their "natural life" in prison, which is around 40 years for most people.
What is a life felony?
This plea means the defendant admits to committing the crime they are accused of.
What is a guilty plea?
In this type of plea bargain, the defendant is promised a specific sentence if they plead guilty or no contest.
What is a sentence bargain?
I represent the person accused of a crime. I protect my client's rights, give legal advice, and present their side of the case. Who am I?
Who is the defense attorney?
This is a type of punishment that allows a person to remain in the community instead of serving time in jail or prison, as long as they follow certain rules and requirements, like no drugs or alcohol, meeting with a supervising officer monthly, and paying supervisory fees.
What is probation?
A person convicted of this felony can receive up to 5 years in state prison.
What is a third-degree felony?
A defendant enters this plea when they say they did not commit the crime and want the State to prove its case in court.
What is a not guilty plea?
In this type of plea bargain, a defendant is allowed to plead guilty or no contest to a less serious charge than the original one.
What is a charge bargain?
I represent the State in a criminal case. I present evidence and witnesses to try to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. Who am I?
Who is the prosecutor/state attorney?
This is the money a defendant may be ordered to pay to a victim to cover losses or expenses caused by the crime.
What is restitution?
A conviction for this type of felony can result in up to 15 years in state prison.
What is a second-degree felony?
With this plea, the defendant does not admit or deny committing the crime but agrees to accept the court's decision.
What is a no contest plea?
This person negotiates with the State Attorney on behalf of the defendant to try to reach an agreement about the charges or sentence.
Who is the defense attorney?
We are a group of citizens who listen to the evidence and testimony during a trial and decide whether the defendant is guilty, not guilty or not guilty by reason of insanity. Who are we, and how many of us are there?
Who is the jury of 6 or 12 people?
This is a type of supervised release that allows certain people with older convictions to leave prison without completing their full sentence. In Florida, people convicted of newer offenses generally cannot receive this type of release because it is no longer available.
What is parole?
This is the most serious felony in Florida. Depending on the offense and the sentence imposed, it can result in life imprisonment or the death penalty.
What is a capital felony?
A defendant enters this plea when they claim they cannot be held criminally responsible for the offense because of a mental illness at the time it was committed.
What is an NGI/NGRI plea?
A defendant accepts a plea bargain and gives up several rights they would have at trial. Name at least two of these rights.
What are the right to a jury trial; the right to confront accusers; the right to remain silent; and the right to appeal?
I wear a robe, oversee the courtroom, make decisions about the law, and give the sentence after a defendant is found guilty. Who am I?
Who is the judge?