People of the Courtroom
You. The person charged with a crime. Sometimes called "The Accused" or alleged perpetrator.
The Defendant
Found not guilty
Acquittal
The formal names of the crimes you have been accused of
Charge
You are saying you DID NOT do the crime you are accused of doing
Not Guilty Plea
Responsible for all operations of the facility. They oversee staff and facility requirements to provide treatment and services.
Administrator
His or her job is to help get you the best possible outcome.
The Defense Attorney
If you have been found guilty in a court trial, you can request to have a higher court review your case if you feel that the law was not followed correctly.
Appeal
A judgement that a person is able to aid and assist in their defense
Competency
You are saying you DID DO the crime you are accused of going
Guilty Plea
Works with the Administrator to help with the details of the facility such as schedules and day to day problem solving
Assistant Administrator
Also known as the District Attorney. His or her job is to prove that you are guilty.
The Prosecutor
The judge tells the defendant what he or she is charged with and asks the defendant to enter a plea.
Arraignment
If you are sentenced for more than one crime, you will complete the sentences at the same time
Concurrent Sentences
You are not saying that you did the crime you are accused of doing, but that you do not want to fight against the accusation
No Contest Plea
Prescribes medication that can help you cope with your mental illness, makes mental health diagnoses, and recommends treatment.
Psychiatrist
The boss of the courtroom. They are a neutral party, meaning they are not for or against you. The judge makes sure everyone is following the rules of the courtroom. They will also decide your sentence if you are found guilty of the crimes you are accused of.
The Judge
A lawyer, an expert in the practice of law.
Attorney
If you are sentenced for more than one crime, you will complete the sentence for the first crime before your time starts for the next one
Consecutive Sentences
You are saying that if you did the crime you are accused of doing, your mental illness was a significant factor in committing the act. You could not follow the law and/or did not understand what you were doing was wrong due to mental illness.
Guilty Except Insanity Plea GEI
Provides mental health therapy, treatment planning, coordinates information between the hospital, county, courts, and or jail in your county.
Qualified Mental Health Professional QMHP
6 or 12 of your peers who listen to testimony, look at evidence, and will decide whether you are guilty or not guilty in a jury trial. The jury is not for or against you. There are 12 jurors for a felony trial, and 6 jurors for a misdemeanor trial.
The Jury
The ability to understand and assist your attorney at a hearing or a trial.
Aid & Assist
A court finding of guilty following a trial or a plea bargain
Conviction
It is a deal between the District Attorney and you, with assistance from your attorney. The deal says if you plead a guilty type of plea, you will be offered lowered charges, reduced number of charges and/or recommend a lesser sentence to the judge.
Plea Bargain
Carries out the doctor's orders and care in the facility
Nurse