Pleas
Plea that says you admit you committed the crime
Guilty
This person makes sure everyone is following the rules, makes decisions about the law, may hand down the sentence, remains neutral
Judge
A minor offense or lesser charge which carries a lighter penalty
Misdemeanor
These are the best ways to communicate with your attorney during the trial
Whisper or pass a note
This is when the opposing lawyer gets to ask the witness questions
Cross-Examination
Plea that says you deny you committed the crime
Not Guilty
The person who has been accused of committing the crime
Defendant
A more serious charge which carries a harsher penalty
Felony
This is the charge for lying under oath
Perjury
Facts, objects and testimony presented during the trial that are used to prove a defendant did or didn't commit the crime
Evidence
This is how you should plead if you want to have a trial
Not Guilty or NGRI
This is a uniformed officer of the court who helps the judge keep order and removes disruptive people
Bailiff
This is the maximum sentence for a felony
This is the charge you receive for being disruptive in court
Contempt of Court
This is the only person who can call the defendant to the witness stand
Defense Attorney
This plea says you neither admit nor deny the charges, you want the judge to decide
No Contest
This is the attorney who is against you and trying to get you convicted of the crime that you have been accused of
Prosecutor
This is the maximum sentence for a misdemeanor
12 months / 1 year
This is what I need to do with my cellphone before entering the courtroom
Keep it in the car / place in a storage box
This right says that I cannot be compelled to testify against myself
Right to Remain Silent (5th Amendment)
This plea says you did commit the crime, but because of your mental illness you didn't know right from wrong
Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI)
A person who is called to testify on what they know about the crime
Witness
If found NGRI, I may spend the maximum time under the courts jurisdiction at this place.
Eastern State Hospital
Smirking, rolling your eyes and shaking your head are all examples of this and may make a bad impression and/or effect the outcome of your case.
Bad Body Language
This is when both attorneys get to try to convince the jury of their position one last time at the end of the trial
Closing Argument