The act of entering a “not guilty” plea in Tennessee criminal court does not initiate the filing of charges. Criminal charges are formally presented by a prosecuting attorney through an indictment (for felonies) or a criminal information (for misdemeanors) prior to the arraignment, which is the hearing where a defendant enters a plea. The plea serves as a response to existing charges, not as the catalyst for them. A person accused of shoplifting, for example, will have charges filed against them before their arraignment where they can plead not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
Understanding this distinction is crucial for navigating the legal system. The benefit of a “not guilty” plea lies in preserving the defendant’s right to a trial, requiring the prosecution to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. It also allows the defendant to engage in discovery, review evidence, and potentially negotiate a plea bargain. Historically, the right to enter a “not guilty” plea and demand a trial by jury has been a cornerstone of Anglo-American jurisprudence, safeguarding individuals from arbitrary accusations and ensuring due process.
