PLA 1003 Intro to Paralegal Exam Questions with Correct Answers Latest Update 2026/2027
Timeline for probable cause hearing - Answers FL 24 hrs
Fed 48 hrs
Timeline to enter plea - Answers no more than 120 days from arrest to arraignment
arraignment - Answers asking how the accused pleads
initial appearance - Answers hearing before a judge to formally receive charges and bail (24/48
hrs following arrest)
preliminary hearing - Answers before a case is called the prosecutor seeks an information with
a judge to state case
information - Answers
indictment - Answers case to be stated in front of grand jury
types of bail - Answers cash bond, property bond, RoR
Amendment covering the right to a bail hearing - Answers 8th (while the hearing is required, bail
is not guaranteed)
burden of proof (criminal) - Answers beyond a reasonable doubt
burden of proof (civil) - Answers preponderance of evidence
Pleas - Answers guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere
nolo contendre (no contest) - Answers a plea entered where the defendant chooses not to put
up a defense for the case, usually to avoid the record of guilt used in a future case
which amendment states a criminal conviction requires a unanimous jury verdict - Answers 6th
amendment
case where the outcome is decided solely by the judge - Answers bench trial
6th amendment - Answers defendant has the right to demand a trial by jury
impeaching witness credibility - Answers reducing the credibility of a witness during cross
examination: showing patterns of dishonesty, inconsistency, deception
expert witness - Answers expert in the field pertaining to a case (can testify with their
professional opinion, but not whether the defendant is guilty)
friendly witness - Answers cooperating with "your" side of the case
Timeline for probable cause hearing - Answers FL 24 hrs
Fed 48 hrs
Timeline to enter plea - Answers no more than 120 days from arrest to arraignment
arraignment - Answers asking how the accused pleads
initial appearance - Answers hearing before a judge to formally receive charges and bail (24/48
hrs following arrest)
preliminary hearing - Answers before a case is called the prosecutor seeks an information with
a judge to state case
information - Answers
indictment - Answers case to be stated in front of grand jury
types of bail - Answers cash bond, property bond, RoR
Amendment covering the right to a bail hearing - Answers 8th (while the hearing is required, bail
is not guaranteed)
burden of proof (criminal) - Answers beyond a reasonable doubt
burden of proof (civil) - Answers preponderance of evidence
Pleas - Answers guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere
nolo contendre (no contest) - Answers a plea entered where the defendant chooses not to put
up a defense for the case, usually to avoid the record of guilt used in a future case
which amendment states a criminal conviction requires a unanimous jury verdict - Answers 6th
amendment
case where the outcome is decided solely by the judge - Answers bench trial
6th amendment - Answers defendant has the right to demand a trial by jury
impeaching witness credibility - Answers reducing the credibility of a witness during cross
examination: showing patterns of dishonesty, inconsistency, deception
expert witness - Answers expert in the field pertaining to a case (can testify with their
professional opinion, but not whether the defendant is guilty)
friendly witness - Answers cooperating with "your" side of the case
