Pleas
You admit you did what you were accused of doing
Guilty
Appropriate courtroom attire and behavior
Clean and formal clothing, good personal hygiene. Quiet and respectful
Charges dropped
Dismissed
This person rules on the law, issues orders, sets dates, decides on a penalty or sentence
The judge
The two classes of crimes
Misdemeanor & Felony
You say you did not do what you were accused of doing
Not guilty
True or False: You can get up to use the bathroom any time during court
False. If you cannot wait until the next break, you may request one
Bench vs Jury Trial
Bench trial: no jury, only the judge. This type of trial can be less expensive, shorter, and beneficial when a jury might not be impartial
Jury trial: takes longer, more expensive, but can be a tried by a jury of your peers
An employee of the court who keeps order, announces events, and can swear people in
Bailiff
The best person to talk to about your charges
Your defense attorney
You maintain your innocence, but admit that the prosecution has enough evidence to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
Alford
The best way to communicate with your attorney in court
Whisper quietly or pass a note
Trial ends, verdict of not guilty
Acquittal
A person who makes a word for word record of everything said in court
Court Recorder / Reporter
Any offense which is punishable by not more than 90 days in jail and fines of $1,000
Misdemeanor
NGRI
You admit you did what you were accused of doing but you are not responsible, because at the time of the crime you suffered from a mental illness and could not tell the difference from right or wrong because of it.
When you should talk in the courtroom
When you are given explicit permission to speak
Concurrent (serve sentences at the same time) & consecutive (serve one after another)
An employee of the court who acts as a secretary for the judge and keeps track of what's going on
Clerk
Any offense not considered a misdemeanor or felony that is punishable by more than 90 days and less than 1 year in jail, as well as fines up to $5,000
Gross misdemeanor
Pros and cons of a plea bargain
Pros: faster than a trial, may receive a lighter sentence
Cons: give up your right to a jury trial, to confront your accusers, to remain silent, and to appeal
A possible consequence for being loud or disruptive in court
Contempt of court, removal from the courtroom
Rules to follow, treatment, supervision
Probation
There are at least two of these in a courtroom; they are all people with a law degree who know about courtroom rules and how to argue cases in court
Lawyers - Defense and Prosecuting Attorneys
3 Classes of Felonies
Class A (punishable by up to life imprisonment and/or $50,000 in fines)
Class B (punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or $20,000 in fines)
Class C (Punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or $10,000)