The Cr 101 California form is a legal document used in California courts for defendants wishing to plead guilty or no contest to felony charges. This form outlines the charges, maximum penalties, and the rights being waived by the defendant. Completing the Cr 101 is a crucial step in the plea process; for assistance in filling out the form, click the button below.
The CR-101 form is an essential document used in California's criminal justice system for individuals who wish to plead guilty or no contest to felony charges. This form outlines the rights and responsibilities of the defendant, ensuring they fully understand the implications of their plea. It includes sections detailing the charges, potential penalties, and any plea agreements made with the court or prosecution. Defendants are instructed to read the form carefully and provide their initials next to each item they understand and agree with. The form also addresses critical issues such as the consequences of the plea, including parole, registration requirements, and possible immigration ramifications. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of legal representation and the rights defendants waive by entering a plea. By signing the CR-101, individuals acknowledge their understanding of the legal process and the potential outcomes of their decision, making it a pivotal step in the plea bargaining process.
CR-101
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF
FOR COURT USE ONLY
STREET ADDRESS:
MAILING ADDRESS:
CITY AND ZIP CODE:
BRANCH NAME:
PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
v.
DEFENDANT:
CASE NUMBER:
PLEA FORM, WITH EXPLANATIONS AND WAIVER OF RIGHTS—FELONY
INSTRUCTIONS: (1) Fill out this form if you want to plead guilty or no contest.
(2)Read this form carefully. For each item, if you understand and agree with what you read, put your initials in the box to the right of the item. For any item that does not apply to you or that you do not understand, leave the box blank.
(3)On page 6, sign and date the form under "DEFENDANT'S STATEMENT."
(4)Keep in mind that the court cannot give legal advice. If you have any questions about anything
in this form, ask your attorney.
1.CHARGES AND MAXIMUM TERM. I want to plead guilty or no contest ("nolo contendere") 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.
CHARGES
YEARS/MONTHS
PRIOR CONVICTIONS, ENHANCEMENTS,
TOTAL
COUNT
& SPECIAL ALLEGATIONS
MAXIMUM
(SECTION & DESCRIPTION)
MINIMUM
TIME
AGGREGATE MAXIMUM TIME OF IMPRISONMENT
2.PLEA AGREEMENT. I understand that I must tell the court on this form about any promises anyone has made to me about the sentence I will receive or the sentence recommendations that will be made to the court. My attorney, the court, or the prosecutor has explained to me that if I plead guilty or no contest to the charges and admit the allegations listed above, the court will sentence me as follows:
a. Check one:
State Prison (or the Division of Juvenile Justice)
County Jail for
INITIALS
(1)
_______ years and ______ months or
(2)
not less than ______ years and ______ months and/or not more than ______ years and ______ months.
(3)
Other: (specify):
b. Probation for ______ years under conditions to be set by the court, including:
______ days in the county jail or
up to ______ days in the county jail.
I understand that a violation of any of the conditions of probation, including failure to complete a drug education or treatment program, if ordered by the court, may cause the court to send me to county jail or state prison for up to the "Aggregate Maximum Time of Imprisonment" specified in item 1, which may include a period of mandatory supervision under Penal Code section 1170(h)(5)(B) if the court sends me to county jail.
c. Split Sentence (1170(h)(5)(B)):
years and
days in the county jail and
days on
mandatory supervision under conditions set by the court.
Page 1 of 7
Form Approved for Optional Use
Penal Code, § 1016
Judicial Council of California
www.courts.ca.gov
(Criminal)
CR-101 [Rev. January 1, 2013]
PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA v.
2.d. 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, treatment, and rehabilitation facility for up to the amount of time I would otherwise have served in prison.
e.Open Plea
1.
2.
3.
I understand the maximum and minimum sentences for the charges and allegations stated on page 1. 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.
f.Restitution, Statutory Fees, and Assessments
I understand that the court will order me to pay the following amounts (if an amount is not yet known, "TBD" for "to be determined" is entered next to the $); I must prepare financial disclosure statements to assist the court in determining my ability to pay; and refusal or failure to prepare the required financial disclosure statements may be used against me at sentencing:
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
$__________ to the Victim Restitution Fund
$__________ restitution to actual victims
$__________ restitution to the State of California, Victims of Crime Fund
$__________ court operations assessment
$__________ court facilities assessment
$__________ base fine plus any applicable penalties, assessments, and surcharges
$__________ other (specify): __________________________________________________________
An (additional) amount to be determined by the court at sentencing or such other hearing as the court may set.
g.Parole Revocation or Probation Revocation Fine
I understand that if I am sentenced to state prison, the court will impose a parole revocation fine, which will be collected only if my parole is later revoked. I also understand that if I am granted probation, the court will impose a probation revocation fine, which will be collected only if my probation is later revoked.
h.Dismissal of Other Counts
I understand that as part of the plea agreement bargain, the following counts will be dismissed after sentencing:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
I understand and agree that the sentencing judge may consider facts underlying dismissed counts to determine restitution and to sentence me on the counts to which I am entering a plea.
i.Other Terms (specify):
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3. CONSEQUENCES OF MY PLEA
a.No Contest ("Nolo Contendere") Plea
I understand that a no contest plea is the same as pleading guilty and that if I plead no contest I will be convicted and my no contest plea could be used against me in a civil case.
b.Parole and Postrelease Community Supervision
I understand that if I am sentenced to state prison or a narcotics treatment facility
(1)I will be placed on parole or postrelease community supervision for up to __________ years after my release.
(2)If I abscond or the court tolls my supervision, the total time of parole or postrelease community supervision can be extended.
(3)If I violate any of the terms or conditions of my parole, I can be sentenced to county jail for up to 180 days for each violation, or returned to state prison for up to one year, up to a maximum of ___ years. If I violate any of the terms or conditions of postrelease community supervision, I can be sentenced to county jail for up to 180 days for each violation, for up to a maximum of 3 years.
c.Effect of Conviction on Other Cases
I understand that a conviction in this case may constitute a violation of any other current grant of parole, mandatory supervision, postrelease community supervision, or probation in any other case and that I may receive additional punishment as a result of that violation.
d.Registration
I understand that I will be required to register with the local police agency or sheriff's department in the city or county in which I reside as
an arson offender
(4)
a sex offender (this registration is a lifelong requirement)
a gang member
(5)
other (specify):
a narcotics offender
and that if I fail to register or to keep my registration current for any reason, new felony criminal charges may be filed against me.
e.Prints 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 of each hand, and blood specimens or other biological samples required by law—and that failure to do so constitutes a new criminal offense.
f.Serious or Violent Felony
I understand that by pleading guilty or no contest to a serious or violent felony ("strike"), the penalty for any future felony conviction will be increased as a result of my conviction in this case, depending on the number of strikes I have, up to a mandatory prison sentence of double the term otherwise provided or a term of at least 25 years to life.
I understand that if I am convicted of a violent felony, jail or prison conduct/work-time credit I may accrue will not exceed 15%.
I understand that if I am admitting a prior strike conviction, prison work-time credit that I may accrue will not exceed 20% of the total term of imprisonment.
I understand that if I am convicted of murder or a third felony conviction of certain offenses, I am ineligible to receive work-time credits. Count _____________________ is such an offense.
g.Prior Prison Term or County Jail Sentence Under Penal Code Section 1170(h)(5)
I understand that if I am sentenced to prison or county jail under Penal Code section 1170(h), the penalty for any future felony conviction may be increased as a result of my incarceration in this case.
h.Driver's License and Vehicle Forfeiture
I understand that my privilege to drive a motor vehicle may be revoked or suspended by the court or the California Department of Motor Vehicles and my vehicle may be ordered forfeited if it was involved in the offense.
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3. i.
Immigration Consequences
I understand that if I am not a citizen of the United States, my plea of guilty or no contest may or, with certain offenses, will result in my deportation, exclusion from reentry to the United States, and denial of naturalization and amnesty and that the appropriate consulate may be informed of my conviction. The offenses that will result in such immigration action include, but are not limited to, an aggravated felony, conspiracy, a controlled substance offense, a firearm offense, and, under certain circumstances, a moral turpitude offense.
j.Firearms
I understand that federal and state laws prohibit a convicted felon from possessing firearms or ammunition for life.
k.Other Consequences (specify):
4.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.
I hereby give up my right to be represented by an attorney.
5.OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
I understand that I am entitled to each of the following rights as to the charges listed in item 1 (on page 1):
a.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.
b.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.
c.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.
d.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.
e.Right to Produce Evidence and to Present a Defense
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.
6.BEFORE THE PLEA
a. Discussion With My Attorney
Before entering this plea, I have had a full opportunity to discuss the following with my attorney:
(1)The facts of my case;
(2)The elements of the charged offenses, prior convictions, enhancements, and special allegations;
(3)Any defenses that I may have;
(4)My constitutional and statutory rights and waiver of those rights;
(5)The consequences of this plea, including the immigration consequences; and
(6)Anything else I think is important to my case.
Page 4 of 7
6.b. Questions
I have no further questions of the court or of my attorney with regard to my plea and admissions in this case, any of the rights, or anything else on this form.
c.Stipulation to Commissioner
I understand that I have the right to have a judge take my plea and sentence me. I give up this right and agree to have a commissioner, sitting as a temporary judge, take my plea and sentence me.
d.Medications or Controlled Substances
I am not taking any medication that affects my ability to understand this form and the consequences of my plea, have not recently consumed any alcohol or drugs, and am not suffering from any medical condition, except for the following:
e.Discovery of New Facts
I understand that the plea agreement in item 2 (on pages 1 and 2) is based on the facts before the court, and if the court discovers new facts, such as an additional prior felony conviction not listed on this form, the court may refuse to accept the plea agreement. If the court discovers new facts and refuses to accept this plea agreement, I understand that I will be allowed to withdraw my plea.
7.STATUTORY RIGHT TO A 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 in item 5 (on page 4).
8.WAIVER OF CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
I give up, for each of the charges and allegations listed in item 1 (on page 1) my right to a jury trial, my right to a court trial, my right to confront and cross-examine witnesses, my right to remain silent and not to incriminate myself, and my right to produce evidence and to present a defense, including my right to testify on my own behalf. I understand that I am, in fact, incriminating myself with my plea.
9.THE PLEA
I freely and voluntarily plead
GUILTY
NO CONTEST to the charges listed in item 1 (on page 1)
and admit the allegations listed in item 1 (on page 1), understanding that this plea and admission will lead to the penalties listed in item 2 (on pages 1 and 2).
a.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 my loved ones; or made any promises to me, except as listed in this form, in order to convince me to plead guilty or no contest.
b.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 basis for my plea of guilty or no contest and any admissions:
(1)I understand that the court may consider the following as proof of the factual basis for my plea:
(a) Preliminary hearing transcript
(b) Police report
(c) Probation report
(d) Welfare investigator's declaration
(e) Court documents regarding any alleged prior offenses
(f) Other (specify):
(g) (Specify facts):
Page 5 of 7
9.b. (2) I am pleading guilty or no contest to take advantage of a plea agreement (my attorney will stipulate to a factual basis for the plea). (People v. West (1970) 3 Cal.3d 595.)
10.AFTER THE PLEA
a.Surrender
I understand that the court is allowing me to surrender at a later date to begin serving time in custody.
I agree that if I fail to appear on the date set for surrender or sentencing without a legal excuse, my plea will become an "open plea" to the court, I will not be allowed to withdraw my plea, and I may be sentenced up to the maximum allowed by law.
b.Sentencing Court
I understand that I have the right to be sentenced by the same judge or commissioner who takes my plea. I give up that right and agree that any judge or commissioner may sentence me.
c.Sentencing Date
I understand that I have the right to be sentenced within 20 court days. I give up that right and agree to be sentenced at a later date.
11.MANDATORY WARNING
I understand that if I am charged with violating Vehicle Code section 23103, as specified in Vehicle Code section 23103.5, or Vehicle Code sections 23152 or 23153, the following warning applies:
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.
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 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.
DEFENDANT'S SIGNATURE
DATE
ATTORNEY'S STATEMENT
I am the attorney of record for the defendant. I have reviewed this form with my client. I have explained each of the items in the form, including the defendant's constitutional and statutory rights, to the defendant and have answered all of his or her questions with regard to those rights, the other items in this form, and the plea agreement. I have also discussed the facts of the case with the defendant and have explained the nature and elements of each charge; any possible defenses to the charges; the effect of any prior convictions, enhancements, and special allegations; and the consequences of the plea.
I concur in the plea and admissions and join in the waiver of the defendant's constitutional and statutory rights, and I hereby
stipulate that there is a factual basis for the plea and refer the court to the
police report
preliminary hearing transcript
probation report
(People v. West (1970) 3 Cal.3d
595.)
ATTORNEY'S SIGNATURE
Page 6 of 7
INTERPRETER'S STATEMENT
I, having been duly sworn or having a written oath on file, certify that I truly translated this form to the defendant in the language noted below. The defendant stated that he or she understood the contents on the form and then initialed and signed the form.
Language:
Spanish
Other (specify):
INTERPRETER'S SIGNATURE
INTERPRETER'S NAME
(TYPE OR PRINT)
DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S STATEMENT
I have read this form and understand the terms of the plea agreement.
I agree do not agree with the terms of the plea agreement and the indicated sentence.
COURT'S 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 listed in item 1 (on page 1) 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 of this case and that the defendant's plea, admissions, and waiver of rights be accepted and entered in the minutes of this court.
JUDGE'S SIGNATURE
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Filling out the CR-101 form is an important step if you intend to plead guilty or no contest in a felony case. This form requires careful attention to detail. After completing it, you will submit it to the court as part of your plea process. Ensure that you understand each section before signing.
What is the purpose of the CR-101 form?
The CR-101 form is used by individuals who wish to plead guilty or no contest to felony charges in California. It outlines the charges, potential penalties, and the rights being waived by the defendant. This form helps ensure that the defendant understands the implications of their plea and the associated consequences.
How should I complete the CR-101 form?
To complete the CR-101 form, carefully read each section. If you understand and agree with the information, you should initial in the designated box next to each item. If there are items that do not apply to you or that you do not understand, you may leave those boxes blank. Finally, you must sign and date the form on the last page under "DEFENDANT'S STATEMENT." It is recommended to consult with an attorney if you have any questions.
What are the consequences of pleading no contest?
Pleading no contest, or nolo contendere, has the same legal effect as pleading guilty. This means that you will be convicted of the charges. Additionally, a no contest plea can be used against you in civil cases, which may lead to further legal repercussions. It is important to understand that this plea does not allow for a defense or argument against the charges in a future civil proceeding.
What happens if I do not understand something on the CR-101 form?
If you do not understand any part of the CR-101 form, it is crucial to seek clarification before proceeding. The court cannot provide legal advice, so discussing your questions with your attorney is essential. They can explain the implications of the form and ensure you are making an informed decision regarding your plea.
Can I change my plea after submitting the CR-101 form?
Once you submit the CR-101 form and enter your plea, changing your plea may be possible, but it typically requires the court's approval. If new facts come to light that were not known at the time of your plea, you may be allowed to withdraw your plea. It is advisable to consult with your attorney to understand the process and any potential outcomes related to changing your plea.
Filling out the CR-101 form can be a crucial step in the legal process, but many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to complications. One frequent error is failing to read the instructions carefully. The form contains specific guidelines on how to fill it out, and skipping this step can result in misunderstandings about the requirements. Each section of the form is designed to gather essential information, and overlooking any part can lead to incomplete submissions.
Another common mistake is not initialing the appropriate boxes. The form requires individuals to indicate their understanding and agreement by placing their initials in designated areas. Failing to do this can create confusion about what the individual agrees to, potentially impacting the outcome of the plea. It is essential to ensure that every applicable section is initialed to reflect a clear understanding of the terms.
Many people also forget to sign and date the form in the designated area. This signature is a critical part of the process, as it confirms that the individual is voluntarily entering a plea. Without a signature, the court may not accept the form, which can delay proceedings or require the individual to start over. Ensuring that all required signatures are included is vital for the form's acceptance.
Inaccurate information is another issue that can arise when completing the CR-101 form. Providing incorrect details about charges, prior convictions, or other relevant information can lead to significant legal consequences. It's important to double-check all entries for accuracy before submitting the form. Mistakes in this area can undermine the credibility of the plea and may even affect sentencing.
Some individuals may also overlook the importance of discussing their case with an attorney before submitting the form. The CR-101 includes a section that emphasizes the need for this discussion, yet many people skip it. Engaging with legal counsel can provide clarity about the implications of the plea and ensure that the individual fully understands their rights and options.
Lastly, a common oversight is neglecting to address any medical conditions or medications that may affect comprehension. The form asks individuals to disclose any such issues, but some may not realize the importance of this disclosure. If a person is under the influence of medication or has a condition that affects their understanding, it could impact their ability to make informed decisions regarding their plea.
The CR-101 form is a crucial document used in California's criminal court system when a defendant wishes to plead guilty or no contest to felony charges. Alongside this form, various other documents are often required to facilitate the legal process. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose and helps ensure that all legal rights and obligations are clearly defined and understood.
These documents collectively support the legal process surrounding a plea of guilty or no contest, ensuring that the defendant's rights are protected and that the court has all necessary information to make informed decisions. Understanding each form's role is essential for anyone navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system.
When filling out the CR-101 California form, it's important to follow specific guidelines to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here are six do's and don'ts to keep in mind:
Misconceptions about the CR-101 California form can lead to confusion for defendants navigating the legal system. Here are ten common misunderstandings:
Understanding these misconceptions can help defendants navigate the legal process more effectively and make informed decisions regarding their pleas.
When filling out and using the CR 101 California form, there are several important points to consider: