Exam 3 Study Guide Flashcards
Prosecutor is also known as what?
D.A.
Define Prosecutor
A govt. lawyer & chief law enforcement authority of a particular area. They represent the govt. (State or Fed.) in criminal trial proceedings
Prosecutors ultimately have the final say whether a case (brought by the police) goes to court or not. T/F?
True
What type of relationship does the police and prosecutor have?
Conflictual
What are the reasons for the police & prosecution to have such a conflicting relationship?
Background differences (prosec. makes more money then police. They also have higher education. Police also judge based on probable cause, while prosec. has to prove them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
What is the purpose of the defense team in court?
To provide counsel for the accused b/c they lack the knowledge of criminal procedure (KEY POINT: Innocent until proven guilty)
What are responsibilities of defense?
Negotiate bail w/ prosecutor, plea bargain, help select accused’s jury
What are the 2 types of defense lawyers?
Private attorneys and public defenders
What was ruled by the Supreme Court in the Gideon v. Wainwright in 1963?
It was ruled that a person too poor to afford a lawyer should be provided a lawyer in ALL cases or else a fair trial cannot be assured
Define Indigent Defendant
Person lacking the “necessities” of life b/c of poverty
What does the 6th Amendment entitle US Citizens?
Right to counsel
What is the Attorney/Client Privilege?
A rule of evidence requiring that communication between a client and their attorney be kept confidential unless the client agrees to its disclosure. (e.g. accepts plea bargain)
What percent of felony cases never even go to trial but instead accept a plea bargain?
90%
Define the Adversarial System
A legal system in which the prosecution and defense attorney are opponents. The court comes to a just solution based on the evidence presented by the contestants and decides who wins and who loses
Name the first thing that happens after an arrest and define it means.
After being arrested taken to station to be booked. During this basically the suspect is searched again, photographed, fingerprinted, and allowed at least 1 phone call. (In FL they take swab from mouth for DNA database). After this charges are gonna be reviewed and if not dropped a complaint is filed. A magistrate will examine the case for probable cause. If the case moves forward from here it moves onto the pretrial process
Name the 1st step in the pretrial process and define what happens.
The Initial appearance - informed of constitutional rights and the charges against them (e.g. right to remain silent etc.) If you haven’t had attorney yet, one will be appointed to you
If the offense committed is a misdemeanor. What is an option the defendant could possibly use?
Released on Recognizance is a possible option for the defendant. This means that the defendant can be released back into the community prior to trial simply on their written promise to return to court to face the charges.
If the offense committed is a felony by the defendant what happens to them?
They are put in prison and in order for them to be released they are going to have to post bail
Define Bail Bond
A security posted guarantee that a defendant in a criminal procedure will appear in court as required
What does the 8th Amendment state?
Excessive bail shall not be required
What does a bondsman do?
A person or corporation that will pledge money or property as bail for the person’s accused in court. In return for this service bondsman expect at least a 10% service fee to be paid in return
Those who receive bail are more than likely to be acquitted of all charges at court. T/F?
True
What percent of those who receive bail found not guilty at trial?
40%