PLEAD GUILTY Meaning and
Definition
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To plead guilty is a legal phrase that refers to an individual's admission of culpability or responsibility for committing an offense, wrongdoing, or crime. When a person pleads guilty, they willingly and voluntarily accept legal responsibility for the actions they are accused of, thereby waiving their right to a trial or contest the charges.
By pleading guilty, an individual acknowledges and confesses their guilt before a court of law, typically in the presence of a judge and prosecution. This admission of guilt often occurs during an arraignment or court hearing, in which the accused must formally respond to the charges brought against them.
Pleading guilty has significant legal consequences. Primarily, it results in a criminal conviction being entered against the accused, subjecting them to the penalties prescribed by law, such as imprisonment, fines, probation, or restitution. Additionally, a guilty plea may adversely affect a person's legal rights, including the potential loss of certain privileges, like the right to vote or possess firearms, among others.
One crucial factor in the plea bargaining process is that a guilty plea typically occurs as part of an agreement reached between the accused and the prosecution. This negotiation often involves the accused receiving a reduced sentence or charges being dropped in exchange for their guilty plea. Ultimately, pleading guilty is a legally binding action that carries lasting consequences for the individual involved, making it an essential decision that should be consulted with legal counsel.
Common Misspellings for PLEAD GUILTY
- olead guilty
- llead guilty
- -lead guilty
- 0lead guilty
- pkead guilty
- ppead guilty
- poead guilty
- plwad guilty
- plsad guilty
- pldad guilty
- plrad guilty
- pl4ad guilty
- pl3ad guilty
- plezd guilty
- plesd guilty
- plewd guilty
- pleqd guilty
- pleas guilty
- pleax guilty
- pleac guilty
Etymology of PLEAD GUILTY
The word "plead" comes from the Old French word "plaid", which means "legal action" or "judicial decision". It originates from the Latin word "placitum", meaning "decision" or "judgment".
The word "guilty" comes from the Middle English word "gilty" or "gulte", which means "sinful" or "culpable". It is derived from the Old English word "gyltig", which means "liable" or "culpable".
When combined, "plead guilty" refers to the act of entering a formal declaration in a court of law, admitting guilt or responsibility for the charges brought against oneself.
Idioms with the word PLEAD GUILTY
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plead guilty to sth
To admit or acknowledge one's guilt or responsibility for something, usually a crime or wrongdoing, in a court of law.
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plead guilty to something
To admit in court that one has committed a crime or offense.
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