The Role of Development in Plea Engagement and Understanding

• In Event: The Multitude of Elements Surrounding Guilty Pleas: An Interdisciplinary Panel

Abstract

Objectives: Guilty pleas—representing the vast majority of case dispositions in the United States—must be made knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently. These legal standards are applied at both the adult and juvenile level, with the most common demarcation line being drawn at age 18. Given the research on neurological and behavioral development, the current study sought to examine how engagement during the plea process influences plea knowledge and how this relationship changes across developmental groups. Methodology: Juvenile and adult defendants (N = 182) who accepted a guilty plea were interviewed about their plea decisions and related perceptions. Participants were asked basic demographic information (including previous criminal history), their degree of behavioral and psychological engagement during the plea process, their perceptions of the plea process (e.g., attorney satisfaction, perceived coercion), and their perceived and actual plea knowledge. Results: Across age groups, there were no developmental differences in perceptions of attorneys, perceived coercion, or perceptions of procedural justice regarding the plea process. There were, however, differences between the youngest developmental groups and older defendants when we examined psychological engagement and actual plea knowledge. Implications: We add to a growing concern over what constitutes a valid plea decision.

Authors

• Mary Catlin, George Mason University

• Kirsten A. Domagalski, University of California, Irvine

• Allison D. Redlich, George Mason University

• Jodi A. Quas, University of California, Irvine