Plea Options
Guilty
The defendant did the crime
The person being accused of the crime
Testify
When someone says what they know or what they saw regarding the crime
Sentencing
If the defendant is convicted (found guilty) in a criminal case, he or she will be sentenced (punished) by a judge or jury
Evidence
Anything that gives proof of a person’s guilt or innocence at a trial. Evidence can be testimony from witnesses, written documents, or objects such as guns, knives, fingerprints, etc.
Not Guilty
The defendant did not do the crime
Jury
A group of people (12 for a felony/6 for a misdemeanor) selected to hear a trial. They decide whether someone is guilty or not.
Perjury
Knowingly telling a lie under oath
Misdemeanor
Less serious crime
Jury Trial
A trial in which there is a jury who decides whether someone is guilty or not
No Contest
Judge
The person who presides over the courtroom. He/she keeps order in the court and makes sure both sides are treated fairly, like a referee
Contempt of Court
The charge you can get for being disruptive in court (talking out of turn, having emotional outbursts, etc.)
Felony
More serious crime
Bench Trial
A trial in which there is no jury. The judge decides whether someone is guilty or not
Plea Bargain
A deal when the prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, and defendant agree the defendant will plead guilty to a less serious crime and receive a lighter sentence.
Defense Attorney
The attorney who represents the defendant in court. Their job is to find the best possible verdict for their defendant
5th Amendment Right
The right of a person to not answer questions or say anything against him/herself that could incriminate them while under oath
Probation
A sentence when the defendant is allowed to serve time in the community under close supervision from the county (i.e. report to probation officer, no drinking/drugs, drug tests, pay fees, community service)
Bailiff
The officer in the courtroom that keeps the peace
Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI)
At the time of the crime, the defendant did not know what they were doing was wrong because of a mental illness
Prosecutor/District Attorney
This attorney’s job is to find the defendant guilty of the crime that he/she has been accused of committing.
Attorney-Client Privilege
Whatever the defendant and the attorney talk about stays between the two of them.
Verdict
This is the decision made at a trial as to whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty
Hung Jury
When the jury can’t come to a unanimous decision of guilty/no guilt. Results in mistrial, charges could be dropped or could have another trial with new jurors