Court Proceedings
This is a deal between your and the District Attorney, with the help and advice from your lawyer. This deal says if you plead guilty, you will be offered lowered charges, reduced number of charges and/or a recommendation for a lesser sentence to the judge
Plea Bargain
This is the most serious level of crime punishable to jail/prison for more than 1 year.
Felony
This is the verdict when the defendant has been found responsible for committing the crime, or has admitted to committing the crime
Guilty
This is the person who has been charged with committing a crime
Defendant
This right can be found in the 5th Amendment of the US Constitution. It says that you are not required to speak to any law official or answer a question
Right to Remain Silent
This is the court process to determine if the defendant is guilty or not guilty in a criminal case. There are two types: jury or bench
Trial
This is a less serious crime that can be punishable up to 1 year in jail
Misdemeanor
This is the plea the defendant gives when he/she claims they are not responsible for committing a crime; or the verdict decided that they have not been found responsible for a crime.
Not Guilty
This person presides over the courtroom. He/she makes sure both sides are treated fairly, helps the jury to understand the rules of the court and how to make decisions, sometimes gives the verdict, and sentences those found guilty
Judge
This is the name of the set of rights read to you at the time of your arrest, to include the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney
Miranda Rights
This is the consequence given by the judge after a defendant has been found guilty of a crime; may include jail/prison time and probation.
Sentence
These are legal rules for society to follow, which a person can be charged if he/she breaks them.
Laws
This plea is given by the defendant when he/she admits to doing the crime, but was not aware that what they were doing at the time was a crime due to a mental illness
Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
This person represents the state, and their job is to prove that the accused is guilty of committing a crime
Prosecutor/District Attorney
This right states that you may have a lawyer assist you with your case. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will provide you one
Right to an Attorney
This is the decision made by the jury or judge as to whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty.
Verdict
This is the formal accusation of criminal activity
Charge
This is a plea a defendant gives when he/she does not admit to committing the crime, but will accept the charges and consequences anyways
No Contest
This person assists and represents the accused in court. Their job is to find the best possible outcome for their client. They may be hired or appointed for free by the court
Defense Attorney/Public Defender
This right requires both sides to present their evidence and opinions, to have the judge and jury be open-minded and be required to make decisions based on the law and not personal feelings
Fair Trial
This is the court appearance when the judge tells the defendant what he/she is charged with and asks the defendant to enter a plea.
Arraignment
This is the lowest level of crime, not punishable by jail/prison, but with a fine
Infraction
This is the ability to understand the charges one has been accused of, and be able to aid and assist in their own defense
Competency
This person types every word spoken on record
Court Recorder
This US Amendment protects the rights of the accused, allowing for a public and speedy trial, an impartial jury, attorney representation, the ability to confront their accuser, and have witnesses in their defense
6th Amendment