What happens if a plead of “Guilty” is entered?
Before the court may accept a plea of guilty, the court must determine that a plea is voluntarily and intelligently made and that there is a factual basis for the plea. When the defendant wishes to plead guilty to an offense charged, it is the duty of the court to address the defendant personally and to inquire and determine: that the defendant is competent to understand the nature of the charge against him/her; the defendant understands the nature and consequences of his/her plea, and the maximum and minimum penalties provided by law; that the defendant understands that by pleading guilty he/she waives his/her constitutional right of a trial by jury, the right to confront and cross-examine adverse witnesses, and the right against self-incrimination; and if the defendant is not represented by an attorney, that he/she is aware of his/her right to an attorney at every stage of the proceedings and that one will be appointed to represent him/her if he/she is indigent.
