Wisconsin Statutes 971.06 – Pleas
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Terms Used In Wisconsin Statutes 971.06
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
- Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
(1) A defendant charged with a criminal offense may plead as follows:
(a) Guilty.
(b) Not guilty.
(c) No contest, subject to the approval of the court.
(d) Not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. This plea may be joined with a plea of not guilty. If it is not so joined, this plea admits that but for lack of mental capacity the defendant committed all the essential elements of the offense charged in the indictment, information or complaint.
(2) If a defendant stands mute or refuses to plead, the court shall direct the entry of a plea of not guilty on the defendant’s behalf.
(3) At the time a defendant enters a plea, the court may not require the defendant to disclose his or her citizenship status.