Plea Bargain
What is Plea Bargain?
The defendant, through their lawyer and the State Attorney agrees to: a sentence by pleading guilty or no contest to a charge, or a reduced sentence to a lesser charge.
What is the role of a witness?
A person saw the crime. They are called to testify about what they saw.
A _____ is the term for a young person under the legal age of 18.
What is a juvenile?
A person who saw or heard something that can help the judge make a decision.
What is a witness?
This person makes the rules, is in charge of the court, decides if you are guilty, and gives punishment if you are found guilty.
Who is the Judge?
Who has to agree to it?
Defendant, State Attorney/Prosecutor, and Judge.
What side is the witness on?
Both sides can have a witness.
What are minor offenses such as a traffic violations or trespassing?
What is a misdemeanor?
The person that is charged with a crime.
Who is the Defendant?
An employee if the court who acts as a secretary for the judge and keeps track of the schedules.
What is a clerk?
How can a plea bargain help me?
You may get a lighter sentence and it settles your legal proceeding more quickly then waiting for a trial.
Is a witness legal required to appear in court.
Yes, the witness is legally required to appear in court.
What us a serious crime such as selling drugs, battery, or kidnapping?
What is a Felony?
The facts that are helpful in forming a judgement, (Ex: fingerprints, video)
What is evidence?
The lawyer who is paid to prosecute you to prove that you are guilty. They are against you.
Who is the State Attorney/Prosecutor?
What do I give up if I accept a plea agreement?
You give up your right to trial, to confront your accusers, the right to remain silent, loose your right to appeal, and get the same punishment if you have a trail and were convicted.
Can someone testify as a witness if they did not directly witness the crime?
Yes, they may have other important information to prove it things did not happen as present.
What is pleading guilty to a lesser charge than the original charge?
What is Plea Bargain?
Something that is declared or promised (ex: to tell the truth).
What is an oath?
A lawyer who is paid to defend you. They are on your side. They are trying to help you get the best deal possible.
Defense Attorney/Public Defender
Why does the State Attorney/Prosecutor plea bargain?
Save the expense of a trial, finish a case, and get a defendant to testify against another defendant in the same case.
Is there an age limit to being a witness?
No
What is a trial
Giving false, deliberate, and misleading testimony while under oath.
What is Perjury?
A person who supervises you when you are placed on a court ordered probation. They make sure you follow the rules such as ankle monitor, curfew, home detention, drug test, anger management, community service and other sanctions.
What is a Juvenile Probation Officer?