What the Plea?
This plea means that the defendant did the crime as charged.
Guilty
I make sure the defendant gets a fair trial, determine proper court procedures, and deliver sentencing.
Judge
If the defendant pleads GUILTY, what happens next?
The defendant will be sentenced.
Is a felony or a misdemeanor more serious?
Felony
Name two rights you give up if you accept a plea bargain.
The right to a jury trial, right to appeal my case, the right to testify, and the right to question witnesses.
This plea means that the defendant did not do the crime as charged.
Not Guilty
I am appointed by the court to advise the defendant and represent the defendant in court.
Public Defender
If a defendant pleads NOT GUILTY what happens next?
There will be a trial and the defendant will work with their attorney to prove they are not guilty.
What two pleas could get a defendant a plea bargain?
Guilty and No Contest
This form of evidence may be items such as weapons, fingerprints, videos, or pictures.
Physical Evidence
When this plea is chosen, there is a trial where the public defender has to prove that the defendant was insane at the time of the crime.
Not Guilty by reason of Insanity (NGI or NGRI)
I file charges against the defendant and gather evidence to try and prove that the defendant is guilty.
District Attorney
If found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity where will the defendant be placed and for how long?
The state hospital; 6 months to indefinitely
What is an oath?
Swearing to tell the truth in the courtroom
This form of evidence may involve the questioning of witnesses for important information.
Testimonial Evidence
This plea means I am not admitting to the crime, but accept the punishment. This plea results in the defendant going straight to sentencing.
No contest
This term refers to a group of twelve individuals that listen to evidence and decide the verdict.
Jury
What happens if the defendant has a jury trial?
The jury decides if the defendant is guilty or not guilty. The judge determines the sentence.
This term means that because of the Defendant’s mental condition, he/she either cannot understand what is happening in court or cannot cooperate with a lawyer.
Incompetent to Stand Trial
The formal decision made by a judge or jury at the end of a criminal trial that determines a defendant's guilt or innocence.
Verdict
This means the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest in exchange for a lower sentence or lesser charges.
Plea Bargain
An individual who may be called to testify on behalf of the defendant or against the defendant during a trial.
Witness
What happens if the defendant has a bench trial?
The judge listens to the evidence and determines the verdict and sentence.
If the defendant enters an NGI plea, are they admitting guilt?
Yes, they are admitting guilt. They are saying "I did it but I was legally insane at the time of the crime."
The punishment a judge orders for a person convicted of a crime.
Sentence