Module 7
Appreciate Charges and
Possible Penalties
Objectives Module 7
• Understand what the pending charges against the client are
• Understand and appreciate the classification and possible penalties associated with each charge
• Become familiar with the allegations and begin to identify strengths and weaknesses of the case (i.e., appreciation for evidence, witnesses, the likelihood of outcomes, etc.)
Course Pre-TestModule 7
Vocabulary Module 7
Misdemeanor A less serious crime punishable by jail time
Felony• A more serious crime
• Punishable by prison time
The Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor Explained
Difference between felony and misdemeanor video
Sentence• The sentence is the
punishment for being found guilty
• If you are found guilty, the judge sentences you
• The punishment could be prison, jail, or probation
Police Reports/Discovery Materials
• Details of the allegations provided by the police
• This often includes statements made by officers on the scene, witnesses, and details evidence
Helpful Tips
• It is important for the instructor to remind the client of the importance of understanding the allegations
• Discuss with the client that the discussion does not mean that the instructor views them as guilty
• But rather it helps the client understand what they are facing in court
• The instructor should focus on facts and NOT digress into processing the incident surrounding the charges nor should they discuss anything about the client’s planned strategy regarding their case
Objective 1 Activity
• The instructor will review the police reports with the client
• Help the client identify the alleged crime that they have been accused of
• Share with the client, the definition of the crime that of which they have been accused (located in the discovery materials)
• Discuss the sentencing guidelines for the crime that of which the client has been accused of (located in the appendix of the Instructor’s Manual)
Check For Understanding
• Ask the client:
• Which is worse, a misdemeanor or a felony?
• Is it ok to disagree with the contents of a police report?
• Which is more serious, attempted murder or theft?
Course Knowledge Assessment Module 7
Work Cited
Gunterman, Ashley, et al. “Introduction to Competency Restoration: Understanding Why I Am Here.” Instructor's Manual: Basic Legal Knowledge and Rational Decision-Making Skills , edited by Dorinda Robinson, Colorado Dept of Human Services/Colorado Office of Behavioral Health , 2020, pp. 33–36. Competency to Stand Trial Training Guide and Materials.“What Is the Difference Between Felony & Misdemeanor Charges .” YouTube , Carlson, Meisner, Hart &Hayslett, P.A., 23 June 2010, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ_yQ49e6RU.
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