The Criminal Process:1
The judgement in a criminal case that leads to a fine, imprisonment or release on probation.
What is: A sentence?
A group of community members (usually 12 to 16 people) that hear the trial and decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty.
What is: Jury?
The lawyer who is on your side and who will defend you in court
What is: Defense attorney (public defender)?
An allegation of a crime before a judge.
What is: A complaint.
The plea during which the defendant says he/she did do the crime.
What is: Guilty
Allowing a person convicted of a minor offense to be released in the community instead of going to prison under the supervision of a probation officer.
What is: Probation?
A request for a higher court to review a lower court's decision.
What is: Appeal?
The lawyer on the other side whose job is to prove that the defendant is guilty of the crime.
Who is: The Prosecutor (district attorney, state attorney; DA)
What is: Appreciate (your charges)?
The plea during which the defendant says he/she did not do the crime.
Not Guilty
Early release from prison prior to the end of your sentence for good behavior.
What is: Parole?
The most serious type of crime when punishment is usually more than one year in prison.
What is: A felony?
The person accused of committing a crime.
What is: The defendant?
Money that can be posted to get out of jail for some crimes.
What is: Bail?
The plea during which the defendant did the crime, but at the time of the crime he/she was not in control of his behavior and did not know the action was wrong.
What is: Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity (NGRI)?
The term for when your attorney keeps what you say private or a secret.
What is: Confidential?
A less serious crime that typically results in a heavier fine than what someone would pay if they committed an infraction or being sentenced to jail for a term that is less than one year.
What is: A misdemeanor?
The person who was hurt by the crime or the victim of a crime.
What is: The plaintiff?
An examination of the evidence and arguments brought by both the prosecution and defense. Prosecution tries to prove the defendant is guilty of the alleged charges.
What is: A trial?
A deal that the defendant makes with the prosecutor where the defendant pleases guilty to a lesser charge for a reduced sentence.
What is: Plea Bargain?
When a witness answers questions on the stand from the defense attorney, prosecuting attorney, or both.
What is: Testify?
The defendant is not found guilty of the alleged charges, is released and allowed to go home.
What is: An acquittal?
A person who knows the defendant very well and can tell the judge/jury things about the defendant.
What is: A character witness?
The result of a criminal trial, which ends in a judgment or sentence because the defendant is found guilty.
What is: A conviction?
The plea during which the defendant does not say if he is guilty or innocent but does not fight the charges.
What is: No Contest?