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Criminal Law/Courtroom terminology

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Expert: Jack Toomey - 8/18/2005


Question
No Jack, not really.
It's just a single word.
After pleading guilty, the judge may ask the attourney,
"Would you like to... ledigate?  capitulate? interogate? (some legal term) It's just a single word meaning... "tell me what's good about this guy so I don't have to throw the book at him."

?

Bernie



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Followup To
Question -
Hey Jack,
Bet you thought I'd gone away, didn't you?

Ok...question (and this is a simple one)
Situation - plea bargan (alraedy agreed upon by both parties.
There is a courtroom term used when the defense attourney attests to the upstanding character of his client. The purpose being, to have the judge go easy on terms of sentencing, or condidtions of his PBJ.
ie. domestic assualt...1st infraction... mittigating circumstances.
I can't remember what it is.
Can you help me here?

Thanks,
Bernie
Answer -
Bernie,


     Are you thinking of "stipulation of the facts" or not contesting the facts as proffered by the state?  In other words we accept the facts as presented by the state.


Answer
Bernie,

   I honestly don't know of a single word that is always used.  The only thing that comes to mind is "articulate' but thats not really a legal term.  It has been my experience that the judge simply deferes to the defense and they put on favorable evidence that would cast the defendant in a good light but I don't know of one word that they use all of the time.

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. Only a judge could answer a question like that. I am also NOT a probation officer or parole officer so I cannot answer questions that relate to parole or probation. Also please keep in mind that every state has different laws. If you are planning to ask a question about a specific law or criminal charge that pertains to your state only it could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or what not to do in court. Retired police officer with 26 years experience. Worked in the patrol division as well as over 14 years in the detective bureau. Investigated a wide range of crime such as murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, and other very sensitive crimes. I am available to answer your questions about criminal law and especially as it applies to police work. I taught at the police academy for several years and am especially knowledgeable about search and seizure. Any question about criminal law is welcome! Please don't ask me to do your homework or ask me questions that obviously come from your teachers or professors. I also do not do online interviews or surveys. Young people need to gain face to face interviewing skills. Local police officers usually are very agreeable to assist in these assignments.

Experience

I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience. I investigated almost every type of crime including murder, rape, theft, missing persons, fraud, and domestic abuse. I am very knowledgeable about search and seizure and taught at the police academy for several years on a variety of subjects. I can answer questions that a lot of attorneys cannot since they do not have "street experience".

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree in Criminolgy from the University of Maryland.

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