Who decides if the defendant pleas guilty or goes to trial?

The decision is the defendant's to make. They have the right to go to trial. If the defendant chooses to go to trial, it is the defendant’s choice whether it is a trial by jury (12 people) or a bench trial, (judge decides the verdict). 

Show All Answers

1. What is a public defender or defense attorney?
2. Who is the defendant/offender?
3. What is a bond hearing?
4. What is the difference between a criminal case and civil case?
5. What is a preliminary hearing?
6. What is a Grand Jury?
7. What is an indictment?
8. What is an arraignment?
9. What is a pre-trial?
10. How can an offender plea not guilty if he/she made a statement to the police or there are witnesses to the crime?
11. Who decides if the defendant pleas guilty or goes to trial?
12. What is the purpose of a trial?
13. What is a sentencing hearing?
14. What is a pre-sentence investigation (PSI)?
15. What is a negotiated or plea agreement?
16. What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
17. What happens if the defendant is sentenced to the Department of Corrections (prison)?
18. How much of the sentence will a defendant have to actually serve?