Pleas
Admitting that you did the crime
guilty
Makes sure that the everyone in the court is following the rules and must remain neutral.
Judge
True or False: You can get up and say what you want in the courtroom any time that you want.
False: You speak if you take the stand or if the judge ask you to speak.
Are you allowed to have a copy of your criminal complaint/police report?
Yes, you can have a copy of your criminal complaint and can request one from your social worker.
This bird is named from the noise that comes from their wings that beat so fast it creates a unique noise. They are the only bird that can fly backward. They use their long beaks to drink nectar from flowers.
hummingbird
Saying you did not commit the crime.
not guilty
The person charged with committing the crime (ME)
Defendant
True or False: You cannot ask your attorney questions or talk to them during court
False: You want to be discreet and not disrupt court. Whisper or pass your attorney a note.
If you enter a plea of guilty, will you have a trial?
No, you will be sentenced but a trial is not necessary as the purpose of trial is to determine guilt or innocence.
This insect is the deadliest animal in the world due to their transmission of a deadly disease.
Mosquito
What is no contest
You're not admitting that you did the crime, but you're also not saying that you didn't do it. You're leaving the decision up to the judge
What is the defense attorney?
This is the lawyer on your side. Tries to prove that you are innocent
What is perjury?
A new charge if you lie in court
Facts/objects that prove either innocence or guilt (videotapes, DNA, fingerprints, witness testimony)
What is evidence?
This aquatic mammal is thought to be very intelligent and are one of very few animals that uses tools. They swim in packs and are the inspiration for the mascot of the football team in Miami
Dolphin
What does NGRI mean?
Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity: Stating that you did do the crime, but that you're not guilty because you were unable to tell the difference between right and wrong at the time of the crime.
Give one example of an expert witness.
A person who is accepted by the court as an expert or a professional in a particular subject. For example, psychiatrists and psychologists, even if you think they are wrong.
Psychologist, Forensic DNA expert, medical experts, parenting experts, etc
What is contempt of court?
A new charge if you misbehave in court.
Understanding your rights and the charges against you and being able to work with your attorney to assist in your own defense. This is known as ____________.
Competency
This winged mammal uses echolocation to find insects to eat at night. It is also the inspiration for a DC comics superhero. Turns out darkness is its ally.
The bat
What happens in a plea bargain?
You plead guilty or no contest to a charge (often a lesser charge), the prosecutor agrees to let you have an easier penalty, and may drop other charges. You, the Prosecuting Attorney, and the Judge must agree.
Who is the attorney that is against you and is trying to convict you?
Prosecutor
True or False: If a witness is lying on the stand, it is your right to yell out in the courtroom to let everyone know that they are not telling the truth
False: Quietly let your attorney know they are lying.
Mr. Jones was offered a plea bargain in which he can plea guilty for reckless driving (misdemeanor) instead of a DUI (felony). He is insistent that he does not want to plea down and wants to go to court to fight the charge. His attorney advises against this due to the amount of evidence against him. Can Mr. Jones reject the plea deal and go to court?
Yes, Mr. Jones has the right to go against the advise of his counsel, even if he may be making a bad decision.
This strange animal has a bill like a duck, a tail like a beaver, and feet like an otter. It lays eggs and is one of the only venomous mammals.
Platypus