A defendant's denial of guilt to criminal charges.
A statement by the accused that he or she did not commit the crime; in all murder cases, a plea of not guilty is automatically entered at the time of the arraignment hearing.
The denial plea entered in any criminal case by the defendant. It is also a verdict where the jury acquits the defendant.
In a criminal charge, this is a general denial by the charge as to the facts presented in the complaint. Entering a not guilty plea begins the process toward a formal trial of the issues presented in the case. Upon the entering of a not guilty plea, the case will be referred for the assignment of a judge and the scheduling of further proceedings by the court.
a statement that a defendant enters at arraignment denying committing the crime(s).
A statement by the accused denying that s/he committed the crime.
A statement by the accused in a criminal action that denies every essential element of the offense charged.