Sec. 3. (a) The court shall not accept a plea of guilty or guilty but mentally ill at the time of the crime without first determining that the plea is voluntary. The court shall determine whether any promises, force, or threats were used to obtain the plea.

     (b) The court shall not enter judgment upon a plea of guilty or guilty but mentally ill at the time of the crime unless it is satisfied from its examination of the defendant or the evidence presented that there is a factual basis for the plea.

Terms Used In Indiana Code 35-35-1-3

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Judgment: means all final orders, decrees, and determinations in an action and all orders upon which executions may issue. See Indiana Code 1-1-4-5
  • Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
     (c) A plea of guilty or guilty but mentally ill at the time of the crime shall not be deemed to be involuntary under subsection (a) solely because it is the product of an agreement between the prosecution and the defense.

As added by Acts 1981, P.L.298, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.320-1983, SEC.16; P.L.179-1984, SEC.2.