Pleas
This plea means the defendant admits guilt to the crime(s) he or she is charged with.
What is a guilty plea?
This person oversees the courtroom and makes sure the law is followed during a trial. This person also imposes the sentence.
What is a judge?
This type of witness saw the crime happen and can describe it in court.
What is an eyewitness?
This type of sentence allows a person to remain in the community but must follow rules and report to an officer monthly.
What is probation?
This is a formal court process where evidence is presented to decide guilt or innocence.
What is a trial?
This plea means the defendant denies the crime(s) he or she is charged with and forces the state to prove its case.
What is a not guilty plea?
This group of 6 to 12 citizens listens to the evidence and decides the verdict in a trial.
What is a jury?
This witness gives opinions based on his or her training, education, or special knowledge.
What is an expert witness?
In Florida, this criminal offense can result in up to one year in county jail.
(Remember: Make sure to tell what degree this crime is!)
What is a first-degree misdemeanor?
This is the decision made by the jury at the end of the trial saying whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.
What is a verdict?
This is an agreement made between the judge, state attorney/prosector and defense attorney/public defender to resolve a case without going to trial.
What is a plea bargain?
This lawyer represents the state and tries to prove the defendant is guilty.
What is a prosecutor/state attorney?
This type of witness talks about a person's behavior or reputation in the community?
What is a character witness?
In Florida, this criminal offense can result in up to five years in state prison.
(Remember: Make sure to tell what degree this crime is!)
What is a third-degree felony?
This is the stage of a criminal case where the judge decides what punishment the defendant will receive after a guilty verdict.
What is sentencing?
This plea does not admit guilt but will accept the punishment.
What is a no contest plea?
This lawyer defends the accused person in court and tries to show reasonable doubt.
What is a defense attorney (public defender)?
Jason saw the robbery happen and can describe who did it and what they were wearing. Jason is what type of witness?
What is an eyewitness?
In Florida, this criminal offense can result in up to 15 years in state prison.
(Remember: Make sure to tell what degree this crime is!)
What is a second-degree felony?
This type of trial is decided by a group of citizens who hear the evidence and choose the verdict.
What is a jury trial?
This plea means the defendant was not emotionally/mentally well at the time of the crime and cannot be held responsible for his or her actions.
What is not guilty by reason of insanity/NGI?
What is a bailiff?
Dr. DuPont is a scientist who explains DNA evidence to help the jury understand it. Dr. DuPont is what kind of witness?
What is an expert witness?
In Florida, this criminal offense can result in life imprisonment in state prison or the death penalty.
(Remember: Make sure to tell what degree this crime is!)
What is a capital felony?
This type of trial is decided by a judge, without a jury.
What is a bench trial?