Prof. Feld Quoted in Pioneer Press on Criminal Procedure

Professor Barry Feld was quoted in the Pioneer Press explaining the criminal procedural details of how a defendant can plead guilty without actually admitting she is guilty. Feld explained how an Alford plea allows someone to plead guilty, insist on their innocence, and yet acknowledge that sufficient facts exist to support a finding of guilt. In the case of an ex-teacher charged with sexual contact with a student, the defendant pled guilty on the basis of agreed upon facts stipulated to by prosecution and defense, allowed the judge to determine guilt or innocence based on the agreed upon facts, and then limited the maximum sentence the judge may impose if the facts warrant a guilty verdict.