Vocabulary
Where you go to see if you are found guilty or not
You say that you did not do the crime
What is not guilty?
The person accused of a crime.
Who is the defendant?
The maximum sentence for a misdemeanor
What is 1 year?
The decision about whether you are guilty or not guilty
A crime less serious than a felony
What is a misdemeanor?
You admit to doing the crime
What is guilty?
A group of twelve impartial people from the community who will decide if you are guilty or not guilty.
Who is the jury?
Where you are sentenced for treatment if found Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity
What is a State Psychiatric Hospital?
A court appearance where you hear the charge(s) and are asked whether you will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
What is an arraignment?
When a person knows their charges and what their possible penalties are, they are said to be this.
What is competent?
You do not fight the charge and accept sentencing in order to avoid a trial. You give up some rights in order to get a speedy decision and a lighter sentence that is agreed upon ahead of time.
What is no contest?
People who have information related to the crime
Who is a witness?
You don't have to go to jail but must live by rules decided by the judge. This usually includes monthly meetings with an officer, no drug or alcohol use, and/or compliance with mental health/other treatment
What is probation?
The prosecutor explains to the jury how they plan to prove their case against you.
What is an opening statement?
The decision made by the jury as to whether or not you are guilty
What is the verdict?
You admit that you did the crime, but you are asking to not be held criminally responsible (no jail time) because your mental illness caused you to act in a way that you did not understand was wrong.
What is not guilty by reason of insanity?
The person trying to convict you of the crime you have been charged with
Who is the prosecutor? (Also acceptable: Who is the Commonwealth's Attorney?)
A place where you may serve your sentence if found guilty
What is jail or prison?
After a witness has been asked questions by one attorney, the other attorney has the opportunity to ask them questions.
What is a cross-examination?
Lying in court
What is perjury?
When your lawyer, the prosecutor, and the judge allow you to plead guilty to a less serious charge to avoid a trial.
What is a plea bargain?
A law enforcement officer who assures that there is order in the courtroom.
Who is the bailiff?
A sentence that the judge gives you that can be served on probation. However, if you break probation, you will be required to spend the remaining time of your sentence in jail.
What is a suspended sentence?
You have the right to request this after the verdict and sentence have been delivered. It must be done with your lawyer soon after the conviction.
What is an appeal?