Courtroom Lingo
CRIME
A class __ misdemeanor. No jail time, fine up to $500. Examples: traffic violations, public intoxication
C
A ____ degree felony. 2 to 20 years in prison and/or fine up to $10,000. Examples: aggravated assault, robbery
SECOND
A deal for less time in exchange for a guilty finding is called a _____.
PLEA BARGAIN
The _________ committed you to the hospital.
JUDGE
You are here because someone believed you were not ___________ to continue the judicial process.
COMPETENT
A class __ misdemeanor.Up to 1 year in county jail and/or fine up to $4,000. Examples: assault with bodily injury, burglary of a vehicle
A
Misdemeanors: Generally eligible for ________, with terms up to 2 years.
PROBATION
You do not admit guilt but also do not challenge the charge. The court will find you guilty, but you cannot be convicted in a separate civil case for the same offense.
NO CONTEST
Twelve individuals sworn to give a verdict in a legal case on the basis of evidence submitted to them in court.
JURY
It is important for you to ___________ with the treatment team and staff.
COOPERATE
A class __ misdemeanor. Up to 180 days in county jail and/or fine up to $2,000. Examples: first DWI, minor marijuana possession
B
A ____ degree felony. 5-99 years or life in prison and/or fine up to $10,000. Examples: murder, aggravated robbery, trafficking of minors
FIRST
This is a denial of guilt. You are asserting innocence or that you have a strong defense.
NOT GUILTY
The chief prosecutors representing the State of Texas in criminal cases in the courts.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
The first court appearance where a defendant is told the charges and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.
ARRAIGNMENT
A _____ _____ felony.
180 days to 2 years in a state jail and/or fine up to $10,000. Examples: certain theft, drug possession, credit card abuse
STATE JAIL
_____ is the legal and clinical process used to help a defendant to stand trial regain the ability to understand court proceedings and assist in their defense.
COMPETENCY RESTORATION
This is an admission that you committed the offense of which you have been charged.
GUILTY
Ensures courtroom security, maintains order, and assists the judge and jury as needed.
BAILIFF
What is the EASIEST thing you can do to work towards competency to continue in the judicial process?
A ______ felony.
Life without parole or death penalty. Examples: capital murder, murder for hire
CAPITAL
A _____ degree felony. 2 to 10 years in prison and/or fine up to $10,000. Examples: third DWI, stalking, intoxication, assault.
THIRD
This is a rare, strategic option where you plead guilty while maintaining your innocence. You agree to the conviction to avoid a trial, but you do not admit guilt.
ALFORD
The ______ initiates a civil lawsuit seeking remedy, while the defendant responds to allegations. In criminal cases, the government acts as the prosecution, and the _______ is the accused individual.
PLAINTIFF, DEFENDANT