May 3, 2000

Breaking the Routine

Dicta: By Mark B. Vezzani Every day thousands of guilty pleas are taken in criminal courts. But before the defendant is permitted to plead guilty, certain admonitions must be given. The defendant must be advised of rights that must be understood and waived. He must be told the obligations that will be imposed upon him and the benefits he is to be given in exchange for the plea. That's all part of plea bargaining.