Can a defendant plead guilty, early in the case, in the Recorder’s Court?
Recorders Courts can typically only accept guilty pleas in misdemeanor cases, so if the case merits disposition as a misdemeanor, it can be handled at the arraignment/First Appearance or at the preliminary hearing. Misdemeanors are less serious convictions and can result in no more than 12 months in prison. If some or all of the 12 months is probated, a defendant can receive a fine up to $1,000, community service, other special conditions of probation such as Domestic Violence counseling, drug and/or alcohol treatment, banning from certain locations or contact with the case’s victims or witnesses, and/or restitution. The Assistant District Attorney in charge of a case may prefer to consult with the police and a crime’s victim before agreeing to any plea.
Related Questions
- Must the defendant plead guilty to the charge or charges before the Court will issue an order granting judicial diversion?
- What if a Defendant wants to discuss the case before their first court appearance or the pretrial conference?
- May State Appeal Trial Court Order Acquitting Defendant Despite Jury’s Guilty Verdict?
