Pleas
Admitting that you did the crime
What is guilty
Listens to both sides of the case and decides if the defendant is guilty or not. Gives a sentence.
What is the judge
A minor offense or small crime. Usually gets a smaller punishment
What is a misdemeanor
Usually the first appearance in court. The judge explains charges and asks the defendant to enter a plea.
What is a hearing or arraignment
You do not have to talk to the police about the crime
What is the right to remain silent
Officer in the court who makes sure everyone is safe
What is the bailiff
A more serious charge, carries a harsher penalty
What is a felony
True or False? You should quietly ask your attorney if you do not understand something during court
What is true
You can deny the charges and make the prosecuting attorney prove it with evidence
What the right to a fair trial
When both lawyers come to an agreement to avoid going to trial
What is a plea bargain
Place where defendants go when sentenced to "lock up". May be sentenced there for days, weeks, or months, buts usually less than a year
What is juvenile detention or jail (for adults)
A part of the legal process where both sides present evidence and the Judge decides if the defendant is guilty or innocent
What is a trial
If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to you
What is the right to be helped by an attorney
Part of a plea bargain is when the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for...
What is a smaller punishment
When you have to check in with some instead of going to detention or jail to make sure you are following rules
What is probation
Someone has to go to court to talk about updates to their case. Like being in restoration classes
What is status conference
You do not have to go to court alone
What the right to have your parents / guardian with you in court
The part of the legal process that is skipped when the defendant admits guilt as part of a plea bargain.
What is a trial
The person accused of committing a crime
What is the defendant (you)
The defendant has already spent time in detention waiting for court. You do not have to repeat this time after sentencing
What is time served
True or False? A witness is lying on the stand, yelling out into the courtroom to let everyone know they are not telling the truth can get you held in Contempt of Court.
What is true
The 7 laws and rules written for everyone in the court system to make sure they are treated fairly
What are rights