In The Court
Someone who is being charged with a crime
Who is the defendant?
Telling the court I did the crime
What is Guilty?
Things like fingerprints, documents, and video footage
What is physical evidence?
Having this right means you cannot be forced to talk to police without your attorney present and you cannot be forced to testify.
What is the right to remain silent?
A less serious offense, which can lead to serving 1 day - 1 year in jail.
What is a misdemeanor?
This person is not on my side. It is their job to convict me of a crime.
Who is the prosecutor?
Telling the court I did not do the crime
What is Not Guilty?
Someone who saw a crime occur
What is an eye witness
If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you.
What is the right to an attorney?
A more serious offense, which can lead to serving 1 year to life in prison.
What is a felony?
This person is on my side. It is their job to get me the best possible outcome.
Who is the defense attorney?
At the time of the crime, I was mentally ill and did not understand that what I was doing was wrong.
What is NGRI?
A doctor or other expert in their field that presents evidence related to the case
What is an expert witness?
Asking to redo your trial if you were found guilty via a trial
What is an appeal?
Does not require jail/prison time, but you will be supervised and expected to follow a set of rules the judge determines for a particular length of time
What is probation?
This person is neutral. It is their job to keep order in the court, make rulings, and give sentences
Who is the judge?
Not admitting guilt, but saying there is too much evidence against me to win at court, so I will accept punishment for the crime.
What is Not Contest
Someone who knows you personally and can testify as to what kind of person you are.
What is a character witness?
Pleading not guilty leads to exercising this right
What is right to a trial?
Pleading guilty in order to get a lesser punishment
What is a plea bargain?
Someone who provides information related to the crime. They typically will testify in court.
What is a witness?
Pleading this gets me a plea bargain
What is guilty?
A formal examination of evidence before a judge or jury, in order to decide guilt in criminal proceedings
What is a trial?
You give up these rights when you take a plea bargain
What is the right to trial, right to face your accuser, and right to appeal?
Factual understanding of the legal system
Rational understanding of how apply the facts to your particular case
Rational ability to consult with your attorney
What is being competent to stand trial?