Do's & Don'ts
What should you do if you don't understand something during court?
Ask your attorney during a break or pass them a note so they can explain it to you.
What does this judge do?
The judge makes sure the trial is fair and decides what happens in your case.
What are the three plea options?
Guilty, Not Guilty, and No Contest.
Police stop you while you're walking home and demand to look in your backpack. You say no, but they grab it and search anyway. What amendment protects you from this?
4th Amendment – Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
What does it mean to be sentenced?
Being sentenced means the judge decides your punishment after a guilty plea or trial.
What is something you should never do when the judge or someone else is talking?
Interrupt, roll your eyes, talk over them. Always wait your turn to speak and show respect.
What does the defense attorney/public defender do?
They help you understand your case, give legal advice, and defend you in court.
What happens if you plead guilty?
The judge decides your consequences.
You are arrested and brought to court. The judge tells you that you must have a trial, but you don’t have enough money for a lawyer. What amendment protects your right to have a lawyer provided?
6th Amendment – Right to an attorney.
What does it mean when a case is dismissed?
It means the charges are dropped, and you are free to go.
How should you dress when going to court?
Neatly and appropriately. Wear clean clothes and avoid distracting outfits.
What does the prosecutor/district attorney do?
They try to prove you committed a crime and present evidence against you.
What happens if you plead not guilty?
The case goes to trial, where the judge or jury decides if you are guilty or not.
A police officer tells you that if you just confess, you can go home. You tell them what happened, but later in court, you realize you didn’t have to talk to them. What amendment gives you the right to remain silent?
5th Amendment – Right against self-incrimination.
What are mitigating and aggravating factors?
Mitigating factors make a sentence lighter (like showing remorse), while aggravating factors make a sentence harsher (like having a criminal history).
What is one thing you should always do when meeting with your attorney?
Be honest! Your attorney needs the truth to help you.
What are the four types of witnesses?
Eyewitness, character witness, alibi witness, and expert witness.
What is a plea agreement?
A deal where you plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.
A judge gives two people the same charge. One person is fined $50, while the other person is fined $5,000 for no reason. What amendment protects against unfair punishments like this?
8th Amendment – Protection against excessive fines and cruel and unusual punishment.
What are some things you might have to do if placed on probation?
Check in with a probation officer, follow court rules, attend school, or do community service.
What are some examples of ways you can show the judge that you are taking your case seriously?
Dress appropriately, speak respectfully, pay attention, follow instructions, and work with your attorney to understand your case.
What is the role of the juvenile (accused) in the courtroom?
Listen, follow the court process, work with their attorney, and answer questions.
What happens during a trial?
The judge or jury listens to evidence from both sides and decides if the juvenile (accused) is guilty or not guilty.
You are arrested, but the police do not tell you what you are being charged with. You stay in jail for weeks without knowing your charges. What amendment protects you from this?
6th Amendment – Right to know your charges and have a fair trial.
What is the difference between restitution and fines?
Restitution is money paid to a victim for damages, while fines are money paid to the court as a punishment.