Pleas
List one right you give up if you agree to a plea bargain
Right to a trial, right to confront accusers, right to remain silent
Defend you, try to get you the best sentence if you are found guilty, on your side
List the two types of crimes
misdemeanor, felony
True or false: when in court it is okay to speak when it's not my turn to
FALSE
True or False: If you take a plea agreement, you are pleading not guilty
FALSE
What is the role of the prosecutor?
Against you, tries to prove that you are guilty, not on your side
Describe a misdemeanor and provide an example
misdemeanor: less serious crime that typically results in a lighter punishment such as loitering, trespassing, shoplifting
True or false: if a witness is lying about me on the stand, I should let the judge know immediately
No
List the four pleas
Not Guilty, Guilty, Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, No Contest
What is your role in the courtroom?
To remain quiet, to communicate through my lawyer
Describe a felony and provide an example
felony- more serious crime, typically results in heavier sentencing, example: murder, battery on a law enforcement officer
List two things you should do in court
stay quiet, stay calm, cooperate, speak when it's my turn/ wait until it's my turn to speak, communicate through my lawyer
Define plea bargain/agreement
Deal made between a defense attorney and prosecutor in which the defendant gets something in exchange for pleading guilty/no contest
List two ways that you can help your attorney?
Be honest with them, answer their questions
List three potential punishments if you are found guilty of a crime
probation, jail, prison, community service, time served
List two things you shouldn't do in court
yell, speak out of turn, make a lot of noise, not pay attention
Give one reason someone might want to take a plea bargain/deal?
Reduced sentence, reduced charge, avoid trial
Define impartial and tell me one person in the courtroom who is supposed to be impartial
Impartial: neutral/ not on anyone's side, the judge
List the three different types of felonies and the maximum punishment associated with each
First degree: 30 years
Second degree: 15 years
Third degree: 5 years
Johnny Appleseed is in court after being charged with an armed robbery. A witness, Johnny's old friend is called to testify. While testifying, the witness is making claims that aren't helping Johnny's case. Johnny is getting angry and feels himself about to yell and get angry. How should he handle this?
Free response: he should try to use some coping mechanisms to calm down, he should quietly ask his lawyer for a recess, he should write down the counter arguments and let his lawyer know, he should wait until it's his turn to speak