3.   YOUR OPTIONS

• You have the right to plead not guilty and demand that the State prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
• You are entitled to a trial by jury or a “bench trial” before a judge. 
• You may also attempt to work out a resolution of your case with the prosecutor and enter a negotiated plea.  The judge must approve the sentence.
• You may also enter a “blind plea”, with no recommendation from the prosecutor, and have the judge impose a sentence.

4.  POSSIBLE SENTENCES

• Some charges do not carry the possibility of probation.  This means that if you are convicted the lowest possible sentence the judge can impose is the minimum term of incarceration in prison.

• Both types of sentences result in a felony conviction on your permanent record.*
• The case remains open for the completion or monitoring of court ordered conditions.