83. plea

What is a Plea?

A plea is a formal statement made by a defendant in a criminal case in response to the charges brought against them. The plea indicates whether the defendant admits or denies the allegations.

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Types of Pleas

✔ Guilty: The defendant admits to the charges and accepts sentencing. ✔ Not Guilty: The defendant denies the charges, leading to a trial. ✔ No Contest (Nolo Contendere): The defendant does not admit guilt but also does not dispute the charges. ✔ Alford Plea: The defendant maintains innocence but acknowledges that the prosecution has enough evidence for a conviction.

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Examples of Pleas in Action

• A defendant accused of theft may plead guilty to receive a reduced sentence in a plea bargain.

• A person facing DUI charges may plead not guilty, forcing the prosecution to prove their case in court.

• A corporate executive charged with fraud may enter a no contest plea to avoid civil liability.

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5 Reference Pages for Plea with URLs

1. Legal Information Institute – Plea Definition

   • URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/plea

   • Explanation: Defines plea, its types, and the legal implications of each plea choice.

2. FindLaw – Understanding Pleas in Criminal Cases

   • URL: https://www.findlaw.com/criminal/criminal-law-basics/pleas-in-criminal-cases.html

   • Explanation: Explains different types of pleas and their impact on criminal proceedings.

3. Justia – Pleas in Criminal Cases

   • URL: https://www.justia.com/criminal/procedure/criminal-pleas/

   • Explanation: Covers the plea process, plea bargains, and potential sentencing outcomes.

4. United States Courts – Plea Agreements

   • URL: https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/plea-agreements

   • Explanation: Discusses plea bargaining and how plea agreements affect sentencing in federal courts.

5. Wikipedia – Plea (Legal Term)

   • URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plea

   • Explanation: Provides a general overview of pleas in different legal systems worldwide.

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