Plea
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Plain-English Meaning
A defendant's formal response to criminal charges in court. The three main pleas are: guilty (admitting to the charges), not guilty (denying the charges), or no contest/nolo contendere (not admitting guilt but not fighting the charges). A plea of not guilty is standard at arraignment even if the case may later settle.
Legal Context
In New York, defendants enter pleas under N.Y. CPL Article 220. A guilty plea must be knowing, voluntary, and intelligent — the judge must advise the defendant of the rights they are waiving (right to trial, right to confront witnesses, right against self-incrimination). Plea bargains — negotiated agreements between prosecution and defense — are how the majority of criminal cases are resolved in New York. Defendants can also plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence.
Real-Life Example
Kevin was charged with felony assault. After reviewing the evidence with his attorney, Kevin agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor assault in exchange for a sentence of time served and probation instead of a possible prison term. In court, the judge questioned Kevin to confirm the plea was voluntary and that Kevin understood what rights he was giving up before accepting it.
Related Terms
Source
Based on N.Y. CPL §§ 220.10, 220.50. Original B-Legal plain-language explanation.
N.Y. CPL §§ 220.10, 220.50
Definitions are simplified for education. Legal meanings vary by jurisdiction, context, and case facts. This definition is original B-Legal content and is not affiliated with or derived from any proprietary legal dictionary.