IN THE ___________ COURT OF _______________ (County), ____________ (State)
(People of the State of _________)
V. CAUSE NO. _____________
____________________________ DEFENDANT
(Name of Defendant)
Plea Form -- Felony (With Explanations & Waiver of Rights)
I. INSTRUCTIONS
Fill out this form if you want to plead guilty or no contest.
Read this form carefully. If you understand and agree with what you read, put your
initials on the line next to any marked box. If you do not understand any marked box,
leave the line blank.
Sign and date the form in the box entitled "Defendant's Statement."
If you have any questions about anything on this form, ask your attorney or the judge.
II. CHARGES AND MAXIMUM SENTENCE
I want to plead guilty or no contest to the charges and allegations listed below. I
understand that the minimum and maximum penalties for the charges to which I am pleading
guilty or no contest are listed below.
Count Charges & Allegations Minimum Maximum Total
(§ & Description) Maximum
________ __________________________ _________ _______ ___________
________ __________________________ _________ _______ ___________
________ __________________________ _________ _______ ___________
________ __________________________ _________ _______ ___________
Aggregate Maximum Time of Imprisonment _________
III. PLEA TERMS AND CONSEQUENCES
A. PRISON STIPULATION
_____ [ ] I understand that if I plead guilty or no contest to the charges and admit the
allegations listed above, the court will sentence me to: _________ years,
___________ months in state prison.
B. PROBATION STIPULATION
______ [ ] I understand that the court will place me on felony probation for _____ years.
______ [ ] I understand that as a condition of probation, the court will sentence me to
___________ days in county jail.
______ [ ] I understand that if I fail on probation the judge may sentence me up to the
Aggregate Maximum Time of Imprisonment on this form.
______ [ ] Conditional Plea: I understand that if the sentencing court does not agree with
the terms of my plea bargain, I will be allowed to withdraw my plea and be placed
in the same position as prior to the plea.
C. STRAIGHT UP PLEA
_____ [ ] I understand the minimum and maximum sentence for the charges and
allegations to which I am pleading. No one has made any other promises to me
about what sentence the court may order.
_____ [ ] I understand that I am not eligible for probation.
_____ [ ] I understand that I will not be granted probation unless the court finds at the time
of sentencing that this is an unusual case where the interests of justice would be
best served by granting probation.
D. CRC: NARCOTICS ADDICTION CONFINEMENT
_____ [ ] I understand that if the court finds that I am addicted to narcotics or in immediate
danger of becoming a narcotics addict, the court may send me to a narcotics
detention and rehabilitation facility for up to the Aggregate Maximum Time of
Imprisonment.
_____ [ ] I understand that I am not entitled to receive good-time/work-time credits at a
narcotics treatment facility.
E. CONSEQUENCES OF MY PLEA
1. Probation Term
_____ [ ] I understand that the court may place me on probation for up to 5 years
(or __________ years).
2. Jail
_____ [ ] I understand that as a condition of probation, the court may sentence me up to
__________ days in county jail.
3. Fines/Fees
_____ [ ] I understand that the court will order me to pay the amounts below:
[ ] Fines: Up to $10,000 in fines, if placed on probation;
[ ] Restitution Fines: Up to $10,000;
[ ] Victim restitution: Any actual restitution;
[ ] Probation supervision $20/month, if placed on probation;
[ ] Court security fee $20, for each count;
[ ] Probation/Parole Up to $10,000, if I fail on probation or parole;
[ ] Conviction Assessment $30 per felony or misdemeanor conviction
[ ] Other: ____________________________________.
4. Violation of Any Current Probations/Parole
_____ [ ] I understand that a conviction in this case may constitute a violation of any other
current grant of probation or parole in any other case and that I may receive
additional punishment as a result of that violation.
5. Prior Prison Term
_____ [ ] I understand that if I am sentenced to prison, the penalty for any future felony
conviction may be increased by one year as a result of my prison term in this
case.
6. Parole
_____ [ ] I understand that if I am sentenced to state prison or a narcotics treatment
facility:
I will be placed on parole for up to 4 years ( or ____ years) after my release;
If I violate the terms of my parole, I can be returned to state prison for up to one
year for each violation; and
If I abscond from parole supervision, this can extend the total time of parole
supervision.
7. Print and DNA Samples
_____ [ ] I understand that I must provide biological samples and prints for identification
purposes, including buccal (mouth) swab samples, right thumb prints, palm
prints, and blood specimens or other biological samples required by law and that
failure to do so constitutes a new criminal offense.
8. Strike Offenses
_____ [ ] I understand that this offense constitutes a "strike." I understand that if I commit
any felony in the future, I will not receive probation, I must serve at least 80% of
my future sentence, and my sentence will be doubled. I understand if I
accumulate enough strikes in my lifetime (currently two strikes), and I commit any
felony, I may be sentenced to life in prison.
9. Serious or Violent Felonies
_____ [ ] I understand that this conviction may be used to enhance the sentence of any
future felony by (3), (5) and/or __________ years.
10. Probation Ineligibility
_____ [ ] I understand that if I commit any felony offenses in the future I am presumed
ineligible for probation because I have at least two felony convictions.
11. Credit
_____ [ ] I understand that the jail or prison conduct/work-time credit I may accrue will not
exceed 15% of the total term of imprisonment.
_____ [ ] I understand that I am admitting a prior strike conviction, and my prison work time
credit will not exceed 20% of the total term of imprisonment.
12. Arson Offenses
_____ [ ] I understand I must register as an arson offender, pursuant to Penal Code
Section _____.
13. Child Abuse
_____ [ ] I understand that if granted probation, the term of probation must be at least 48
months and I must complete no less than one year of a child abuser's treatment
counseling program.
14. Driving Offenses
_____ [ ] Driving Privilege: I understand that my privilege to drive a motor vehicle may be
revoked or suspended and my vehicle may be ordered forfeited if it was involved
in the offense.
_____ [ ] DUI Class: I understand that I must complete a driving under the influence class
and cannot have my privilege to drive restored until I complete that class.
15. Driving Offenses (continued)
_____ [ ] Future DUI: I understand that this offense may be used to increase both the
minimum and maximum punishment for any future driving under the influence
offense.
_____ [ ] Advisement: You are hereby advised that being under the influence of alcohol
or drugs, or both, impairs your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Therefore, it is extremely dangerous to human life to drive while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs, or both. If you continue to drive while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs, or both, and as a result of that driving, someone is
killed, you can be charged with murder.
16. Domestic Violence Offenses
_____ [ ] I understand I must pay a minimum $400 domestic violence fund fine.
_____ [ ] I understand that this conviction may be used to increase both the minimum and
maximum sentence for any future violation of Penal Code Section _____.
_____ [ ] I understand that I am required to attend a 52-week Batterer's Treatment
Program.
17. Drug Offenses
_____ [ ] Register: I understand I must register as a drug offender, pursuant to Health &
Safety Code Section ______, until five years after discharge from prison, release
from jail or termination of probation or parole for this offense.
_____ [ ] Diversion: I understand that if I am not eligible for Deferred Entry of Judgment or
if I fail out of the program, I may be sentenced up to the Aggregate Maximum
Time of imprisonment provided for on this form. I understand that I must waive
time for sentencing to participate in the program.
_____ [ ] Prop. 36: I understand that if I am not eligible for the Proposition 36 drug
treatment program or if I fail out of the program, I may be sentenced up to the
Aggregate Maximum Time of Imprisonment provided for on this form.
_____ [ ] Fines/Fees: I understand that I will be fined: a laboratory testing fee in the
amount of $50 as well as all attendant state and local penalties, assessments
and surcharges.
_____ [ ] Prior: I understand that I am pleading to a commercial drug offense. I
understand that if I commit a commercial drug offense in the future, this case
may be used to add three years to the sentence of the future commercial drug
offense.
18. Firearms/Ammunition
_____ [ ] I understand that I may not own, possess or have custody or control of firearms
or ammunition for life . I understand that possession of firearms or ammunition is
a felony.
_____ [ ] I understand that even if my offense is a misdemeanor, I may not own, possess
or have custody or control of firearms or ammunition for 10 years.
19. Gang Offenses
_____ [ ] I understand I must register as a gang offender, pursuant to Penal Code Section
______, until five years after the imposition of the registration requirement.
_____ [ ] I understand that I must serve a minimum of 180 days in county jail if I get
probation.
20. Immigration Consequences
_____ [ ] I understand that if I am not a citizen of the United States, I will be deported from
the country, denied citizenship, and denied re-entry into the United States.
21. Sex Offenses
_____ [ ] Register: I understand that I must register as a sex offender for life , pursuant
to Penal Code Section _____.
_____ [ ] DNA: I understand that I must provide a sample of my DNA for testing of the HIV
antibodies. I understand that the results of this test will be provided to the People,
the Department of Justice and the victim in this case.
_____ [ ] SVP : I understand that this conviction may be used as a qualifying offense under
the Sexually Violent Predator Act. I understand that if I qualify as a sexually
violent predator, I may be civilly committed for life .
_____ [ ] I understand that a court may not suspend my sentence until the court receives a
report from a reputable psychiatrist or psychologist pursuant to Penal Code
Section _____.
_____ [ ] I understand that any future violation of Penal Code Section _____ can be
charged against me as a felony.
22. Theft Offenses/Welfare Fraud/Check Fraud
_____ [ ] I understand that if I have served or do serve time in custody as a result of this
offense, any theft offense I commit in the future may be charged against me as a
felony.
_____ [ ] I understand that this conviction may affect my ability to receive welfare benefits.
_____ [ ] I understand that any future check offense may be charged against me as a
felony.
23. Other Consequences :
_____ [ ] _______________________________________________________________
_____ [ ] _______________________________________________________________
_____ [ ] _______________________________________________________________
IV. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
I understand that I am entitled to each of the following rights as to the charges and allegations to
which I am pleading:
RIGHT TO AN ATTORNEY
_____ [ ] I understand that I have the right to an attorney of my choice to represent me
throughout the proceedings. If I cannot afford to hire an attorney, the court will
appoint one to represent me.
RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL
_____ [ ] I understand that I have a right to a speedy and public jury trial. At the trial, I
would be presumed to be innocent, and I could not be convicted unless, after
hearing all of the evidence, 12 impartial jurors chosen from the community were
convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that I am guilty.
RIGHT TO A COURT TRIAL
_____ [ ] I understand that, as an alternative to a jury trial, if the prosecutor agrees, I may
give up a jury trial and have a court trial in which the judge alone, without a jury,
hears the evidence. I still could not be convicted unless, after hearing all of the
evidence, the judge was convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that I am guilty.
RIGHT TO CONFRONT AND CROSS-EXAMINE WITNESSES
_____ [ ] I understand that I have the right to confront and cross-examine all witnesses
testifying against me. This means that the prosecution must produce the
witnesses in court, they must testify under oath in my presence, and my attorney
may question them.
RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT AND NOT TO INCRIMINATE MYSELF
_____ [ ] I understand that I have the right to remain silent and my silence cannot be
considered as evidence against me. I understand that I also have the right not to
incriminate myself and I cannot be forced to testify.
RIGHT TO PRESENT A DEFENSE AND PRODUCE WITNESSES
_____ [ ] I understand that I have a right to present evidence and to have the court issue
subpoenas to bring to court all witnesses and evidence favorable to me, at no
cost to me. I also have the right to testify on my own behalf.
V. WAIVER OF CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
_____ [ ] I waive and give up the above constitutional rights, for each of the charges and
allegations listed to which I am pleading.
_____ [ ] Cunningham Waiver: I waive and give up the above constitutional rights, as to
any sentencing factors that may be used to increase my sentence.
VI. RIGHT TO & WAIVER OF PRELIMINARY HEARING
_____ [ ] I understand that, before I have a trial, the law gives me the right to a speedy
preliminary hearing at which the prosecution would produce evidence and the
court must find reasonable cause to believe I committed the crimes with which I
have been charged. I understand that I have all of the above constitutional rights
at the preliminary hearing, except for the right to a jury trial.
_____ [ ] I give up my right to a preliminary hearing and the constitutional rights listed
above.
VII. ENTRY OF PLEA
_____ [ ] I freely and voluntarily plead [ ] GUILTY [ ] NO CONTEST to the charges on
page one and admit the allegations on page one, understanding that this plea
and admission will lead to the penalties listed above.
_____ [ ] I offer my plea of guilty or no contest freely and voluntarily and with full
understanding of everything in this form. No one has made any threats; used any
force against me, my family, or loved ones; or made any promises to me, except
as listed on this form, in order to convince me to plead guilty or no contest.
_____ [ ] I am not under the influence of any drug, medication or alcohol that affects my
ability to understand the nature of and consequences of my plea.
_____ [ ] I understand that the court is required to find a factual basis for my plea to make
sure that I am entering a plea to the proper offenses under the facts of the case.
_____ [ ] I offer to the court the following as the factual basis for my plea and any
admissions:
(a) [ ] Preliminary Hearing Transcript (b) [ ] Police Report
(c) [ ] Facts: _____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
(d) [ ] I am pleading to take advantage of a plea agreement and my attorney will
stipulate to a factual basis for the plea. ( People v. West (1970) 3 Cal.3d 595).
NO CONTEST PLEA
_____ [ ] I understand that a no contest plea is the same as a guilty plea and that if I plead
no contest I will be convicted and my no contest plea can be used against me in
a civil case.
HARVEY WAIVER
_____ [ ] I understand that as part of the plea agreement, the court will dismiss any
counts and allegations to which I have not pled.
_____ [ ] I understand that the court may consider facts underlying dismissed
counts in sentencing me on the count(s) and allegation(s) to which I am
entering a plea.
VIII. AFTER THE PLEA
ARBUCKLE WAIVER (Conditional Pleas Only)
_____ [ ] I understand that I have the right to be sentenced by the same judge who takes
my plea. I give up that right and agree that any judge may sentence me.
PROBATION APPLICATION & REPORT & WAIVER
_____ [ ] I understand that I have the right to apply for probation. I waive and give up the
right to apply for probation.
_____ [ ] I understand that I have the right to have a written sentencing report. I waive and
give up the right to a written sentencing report.
TIME WAIVER
_____ [ ] I understand that I have the right to be sentenced within 20 court days. I give up
that right and agree to a later date.
DEFENDANT'S STATEMENT
I have read or have had read to me this form and have initialed each of the items that applies to
my case. If I have an attorney, I have discussed each item with my attorney. By putting my
initials next to the items in this form, I am indicating that I understand and agree with what is
stated in each item that I have initialed. The nature of the charges, possible defenses, and the
effects of any prior convictions, enhancements, and special allegations have been explained to
me. I understand each of the rights outlined above, and I give up each of them to enter my plea
_____________ ____________________________________
Date Defendant's Signature
DEFENSE ATTORNEY'S STATEMENT
I am the attorney for the defendant. I reviewed this form with my client. I have explained each of
the items in the form, including the defendant's constitutional and statutory rights. I have
answered all the defendant's questions with regard to those rights, the other items in this form,
and the plea agreement. I have discussed the facts of the case and explained the
consequences of the plea. I have discussed the nature and elements of the offenses,
allegations and enhancements, any possible defenses to them, the effect of any prior
convictions, allegations and enhancements, and the consequences of the plea. I concur in the
plea and admissions and join in the waiver of defendant's constitutional and statutory
rights. I herby stipulate that there is a factual basis for the plea.
_____________ ____________________________________
Date Signature of Defendant’s Attorney
INTERPRETER'S STATEMENT
I, having been duly sworn or having a written oath on file, certify that I truly translated this form
to the language noted below. The defendant stated that he or she understood the contents on
this form and then initialed and signed the form.
Language: [ ] Spanish [ ] Punjabi [ ] Other: __________ [ ] _______________
______________ _______________________________________
Date Signature of Interpreter
PROSECUTOR'S STATEMENT
I have read this form and understand the terms of the plea agreement. I concur in the
Defendant's plea of guilty or no contest as set forth above.
______________ _______________________________________
Date Signature of Prosecutor
COURT FINDINGS AND ORDER
The court, having reviewed this form (and any addenda), and having orally examined the
defendant, finds as follows:
1. The defendant has read or has had read to him or her and understands each of the
initialed items in this form.
2. The defendant understands the nature of the crimes and allegations to which the
defendant is pleading and the consequences of the plea and any admissions.
3. The defendant expressly, knowingly, understandingly, and intelligently waives his or her
constitutional and statutory rights.
4. The defendant's plea, admissions, and waiver of rights are made freely and voluntarily.
5. A factual basis exists for the plea and admissions, or the defendant is pleading pursuant
to a plea bargain under People v. West.
The court accepts the defendant's plea, admissions, and waiver of rights and the
defendant is hereby convicted based thereon.
It is ordered that this document be filed with the court's records in this case and that the
defendant's plea, admissions, and waiver of rights be accepted and entered in the minutes of
this court.
______________ _______________________________________
Date Signature of Judge