Entering a Plea under Connecticut Law
If you have received an offer from the state's attorney and are willing to enter a plea to the charge(s), Practice Book Sec. 39-19 provides the requirements for such a plea.
That section provides that the court shall not accept a plea without first addressing you personally in court. Next, the court must determine whether you fully understand: (1) nature of the charge(s); (2) mandatory minimums; (3) the fact that the statute does not permit the sentence to be suspended; (4) maximum possible sentence on the charge, including, if applicable, the fact that a different or additional punishment may be authorized by reason of a previous conviction; (5) the fact that you have the right to plead not guilty or to persist in that plea if it has already been made, and the fact that he or she has the right to be tried by a jury or a judge and that at trial you have the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses against him or her, and the right not to be compelled to incriminate yourself.
This is general advice and may change depending on the facts of your case. As always, consult with an attorney when charged with a crime.
