MBE Rules · Criminal Procedure
Guilty plea — voluntary, knowing, intelligent
Boykin v. Alabama / Rule 11
The rule
A guilty plea is valid only if entered voluntarily, knowingly, and intelligently on the record. The court must advise the defendant of (1) the nature of the charge, (2) the maximum and any mandatory minimum penalty, and (3) the rights waived — jury trial, confrontation, and privilege against self-incrimination. Failure to so advise renders the plea constitutionally infirm.
In plain English
A plea waives fundamental trial rights, so the judge must personally confirm the defendant understands what is being given up and the consequences.
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