Stand Mute Definition
At an arraignment, a defendant is asked how they plead to the crime(s) charged against them. The defendant can plead guilty, not guilty, or stand mute. Standing mute means a defendant does not take a stance on being guilty or not guilty; they remain silent. Standing mute or remaining silent has the same effect as pleading “not guilty” because a judge or magistrate will enter a not guilty plea on the defendant’s behalf.

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