PENSACOLA
The money you pay as punishment for breaking the law.
Fine
A group of 6-12 people from your community who listen to your case and decide if you are guilty or not guilty based on the evidence and testimonies presented in court.
Jury
When the defendant does not say they are guilty or not guilty and lets the judge decide the case based on the evidence.
No Contest
Your response to the charges; The statement of guilt or innocence the defendant presents to the court in response to the charges against them.
Plea
A person who enforces the law, protects and serves the community, and who will arrest you if you break the law.
Police
The judge/jury decides you committed the crime; a decision made indicating there was enough evidence to convict a person of a crime.
Guilty
When the jury makes a decision about guilt or innocence (the verdict) and the judge carries out the verdict (delivers the sentence/punishment).
Jury
This refers to a person’s inability to understand court procedures or the possible penalties they face, and their inability to assist their attorney in their defense.
Not Competent/Incompetent to proceed
When you hold your court date off until a future time, a delay in your court date.
Postponement
When you go to prison but get out early because of good behavior.
Parole/Conditional Release
When the members of the jury cannot agree on a verdict.
Hung Jury
Rules we have to follow that tell us what we can and cannot do.
Laws
When you do not go to jail and instead serve your time at home. You will be required to report to an officer and follow certain rules.
Probation
When you admit to committing the crime, but you say you were not in the right state of mind when you committed the crime.
Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
Where criminals are sent to serve their time that are found guilty of felonies.
Prison
When you are locked up in jail/prison against your will.
Incarceration
A person who studied and is trained in law. There is one assigned to represent each side during a trial; one is for you and one is against you.
Lawyer/Attorney
When a deal is made with the prosecutor to plead guilty to a lesser crime for lesser time.
Plea Bargain/Plea Agreement/Plea Deal
Laws written to help everyone and ensure everyone is treated fairly.
Rights
The state's attorneys or the lawyers for the other side. They are the lawyers trying to convict you.
Prosecutors
This person is not for you or against you and their job is to listen to the case and decide if you’re guilty or not guilty. They instruct the jury about the law and, if you are found guilty, give you a sentence.
Judge
A crime that is not as serious as a felony but still carries a punishment.
Misdemeanor
Promising to tell the truth on the witness stand during your testimony.
Oath
Lying in court and not telling the truth under oath.
Perjury
You did not do the crime. A decision made indicating there was not enough evidence to convict a person of a crime.
Not Guilty